Pharmaceutical compositions and salts of a 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid

ABSTRACT

Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, which comprise a 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Further provided herein are certain pharmaceutically acceptable salts of a 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid and methods for making the same. Further provided herein are methods of treating or preventing a disease associated with a nonsense mutation or a premature stop codon, comprising administering such pharmaceutical compositions or pharmaceutically acceptable salts to a patient having a disease associated with a nonsense mutation or a premature stop codon.

This application is a U.S. national stage application of InternationalPatent Application No. PCT/US2015/018889, filed Mar. 5, 2015, whichclaims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/949,052, filed Mar. 6, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.62/009,111, filed Jun. 6, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety and for all purposes.

1. FIELD

Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, which comprise a1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof. Further provided herein are certain pharmaceutical compositionsof a 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid and methods for making the same.Further provided herein are certain pharmaceutically acceptable salts ofa 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid and methods for making the same. Furtherprovided herein are certain pharmaceutical compositions comprising a1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid salt and methods for making the same.Further provided herein are methods of treating or preventing an oculardisease associated with a nonsense mutation or a premature stop codon,comprising administering such pharmaceutical compositions orpharmaceutically acceptable salts to a patient having an ocular diseaseassociated with a nonsense mutation or a premature stop codon. Furtherprovided herein are methods of prenatally treating or preventing anocular disease associated with a nonsense mutation or a premature stopcodon, comprising administering such pharmaceutical compositions of a1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid or pharmaceutical compositions of apharmaceutically acceptable salt of a 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid to apatient having an ocular disease associated with a nonsense mutation ora premature stop codon. Further provided herein are methods ofpostnatally treating or preventing an ocular disease associated with anonsense mutation or a premature stop codon, comprising administeringsuch pharmaceutical compositions of a 1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid orpharmaceutical compositions of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of a1,2,4-oxadiazole benzoic acid to a patient having an ocular diseaseassociated with a nonsense mutation or a premature stop codon.

2. BACKGROUND

U.S. Pat. No. 6,992,096 describes 1,2,4-oxadiazole compounds that areuseful for treating, preventing, or managing diseases ameliorated bymodulation of premature translation termination or nonsense-mediatedmRNA decay, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by referencein its entirety. One of such compounds is3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid, having thegeneric name ataluren, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof,referred to herein as Compound 1. Certain physical properties ofCompound 1 can affect the processing, manufacture and pharmaceuticalacceptability of an ophthalmic dosage form. The particle size,solubility and flow properties may also affect the efficiency ofmanufacturing an ophthalmic dosage form of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid. See, Prescottet al., Pharm. Tech. 2000, October, 60-85. Certain formulations of anophthalmic dosage form of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid known in theart may remain irritating to the eye. Therefore, there is a need for newpharmaceutical formulations comprising3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid havingimproved physical and pharmaceutical properties. Furthermore, there is aneed for new pharmaceutical formulations comprising salt forms of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid which haveimproved physical and pharmaceutical properties.

3. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

Provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid in a bufferingsystem, wherein the buffering system solubilizes3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid at apharmaceutically acceptable pH to provide an improved solution suitablefor ocular use. Provided herein are salt forms of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid, wherein3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid is conjugatedwith a cationic modifier to provide an ionized salt form of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid with increasedpermeability and reduced irritability, wherein the ionized salt formincludes a magnesium salt, a potassium salt, a sodium salt, atromethamine salt, an L-lysine salt, an L-arginine salt, an N-methylglucamine salt and an L-histidine salt of Compound 1. Further providedherein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a salt form of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid in a bufferingsystem, wherein the buffering system solubilizes the salt form of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid to provide animproved solution of Compound 1 suitable for ocular use.

Further provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, which comprise3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid, or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients to provide an improved solutionsuitable for ocular use.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for preventing,treating, or ameliorating an ocular disease in a mammalian subject inneed thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject atherapeutically effective amount of a3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In certain embodiments, themethod comprises prenatal or postnatal administration, wherein prenataladministration is orally or parenterally and postnatal administration isocular. In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method forpreventing, treating, or ameliorating an ocular disease in a mammaliansubject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to thesubject a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceuticalcomposition, which comprises3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients. In certain embodiments, themethod comprises prenatal or postnatal administration, wherein prenataladministration is orally or parenterally and postnatal administration isocular.

In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered ocularly to oneor more regions of the eye. In some embodiments, the therapeuticallyeffective amount of the pharmaceutical composition, which comprises3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients, is administered ocularly to oneor more regions of the eye.

In some embodiments, the one or more regions of the eye is selected fromthe group consisting of the posterior chamber, ora serrata, ciliarymuscle, ciliary zonules, canal of Schlemm, pupil, anterior chamber,cornea, iris, lens cortex, lens nucleus, ciliary process, conjunctiva,inferior oblique muscle, inferior rectus muscle, medial rectus muscle,retinal arteries and veins, optic disc, dura mater, central retinalartery, central retinal vein, optic nerve, vorticose vein, bulbarsheath, macula, fovea, sclera, choroid, superior rectus muscle, andretina. In some embodiments, the region of the eye is the cornea. Insome embodiments, the region of the eye is the fovea. In someembodiments, the region of the eye is the choroid. In some embodiments,the region of the eye is the retina. In some embodiments, the mammal isa human.

In some embodiments, the subject is at risk of having, suspected ofhaving, or diagnosed as having one or more of aniridia, choroideremia,renal-coloboma syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitispigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, glaucoma, foveal hypoplasia,cataracts, Usher syndrome, central auditory processing difficulties,chorioretinal degeneration, congenital lens opacities, elevatedintraocular pressure, exudative vascular retinopathy, glaucoma, irishypoplasia, keratopathy (corneal degeneration), optic nerve hypoplasia,retinal detachment, secondary strabismus and tunica vasculosa lentis.

In some embodiments,3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof is administered in combinationwith at least one additional therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, theadditional therapeutic agent is administered before administration of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, after administration of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, simultaneously withadministration of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoicacid or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a combinationthereof.

In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition, which comprises3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients, is administered in combinationwith at least one additional therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, theadditional therapeutic agent is administered before administration ofthe pharmaceutical composition, after administration of thepharmaceutical composition, simultaneously with administration of thepharmaceutical composition, or a combination thereof.

Further provided herein are methods for treating, preventing, ormanaging an ocular disease ameliorated by modulation of prematuretranslation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, comprisingadministering to a patient having an ocular disease ameliorated bymodulation of premature translation termination or nonsense-mediatedmRNA decay an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein or an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of a saltof 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein.

Further provided herein are methods for treating, preventing, ormanaging an ocular disease associated with a nonsense mutation,comprising administering to a patient having an ocular diseaseassociated with a nonsense mutation an effective amount of apharmaceutical composition of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein or an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of a saltof 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein.

Further provided herein are methods for treating, preventing, ormanaging an ocular disease associated with a premature stop codon,comprising administering to a patient having an ocular diseaseassociated with a premature stop codon an effective amount of apharmaceutical composition of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein or an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of a saltof 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein.

4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts Raman spectra of a Compound 1 magnesium salt 1 as anamorphous form compared to formation of a crystalline magnesium salt 2.

FIG. 2 depicts a Powder X-Ray Diffraction (PXRD) pattern of a Compound 1magnesium salt 1 as an amorphous form compared to formation of acrystalline magnesium salt 2.

FIG. 3 depicts Raman spectra of a Compound 1 potassium salt 1.

FIG. 4 depicts a PXRD pattern of a Compound 1 potassium salt 1.

FIG. 5 depicts Raman spectra of a Compound 1 sodium salt 1.

FIG. 6 depicts a PXRD pattern of a Compound 1 sodium salt 1.

FIG. 7 depicts Raman spectra of a Compound 1 tromethamine salt 1.

FIG. 8 depicts a PXRD pattern of a Compound 1 tromethamine salt 1.

FIG. 9 depicts a ¹H-NMR spectrum of a Compound 1 tromethamine salt 1.

FIG. 10 depicts a superposition of PXRD patterns of a Compound 1tromethamine salts 1, 4 and 5 as prepared, including the excess solidphase remaining from aqueous solubility testing.

FIG. 11 depicts Raman spectra of a Compound 1 L-lysine salt 1.

FIG. 12 depicts a PXRD pattern of a Compound 1 L-lysine salt 1.

FIG. 13 depicts Raman spectra of a Compound 1 L-arginine salt.

FIG. 14 depicts a PXRD pattern of a Compound 1 L-arginine salt.

FIG. 15 depicts Raman spectra of a Compound 1 L-histidine salt 1.

FIG. 16 depicts a PXRD pattern of a Compound 1 L-histidine salt 1superposed on Form A of Compound 1 and L-histidine, showing Compound 1peaks and overlapping peaks of L-histidine salt 1 with L-histidine.

FIG. 17 depicts a Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) of a Compound 1 potassiumsalt 1 that shows a reversible water release (left arrow) and a smallirreversible water uptake (right arrow) with hysteresis.

FIG. 18 depicts a DVS of a Compound 1 sodium salt 1 that shows astepwise irreversible water uptake.

FIG. 19 depicts a DVS of a Compound 1 tromethane salt 1 that shows alarge reversible water uptake with hysteresis arriving at lower massthan originally.

FIG. 20 depicts a DVS of a Compound 1 L-lysine salt 1 that shows a smallreversible water uptake.

FIG. 21 depicts a DVS of a Compound 1 magnesium salt 2 that shows alarge water release (left arrow) with hysteresis (right arrow).

FIG. 22 depicts superposed FT-Raman spectra of a Compound 1 potassiumsalt 1 as prepared (bottom), after DVS (middle) and residue from aqueoussolubility determination (top).

FIG. 23 depicts superposed FT-Raman spectra of a Compound 1 sodium salt1 as prepared (bottom), after DVS (middle) and residue from aqueoussolubility determination (top).

FIG. 24 depicts superposed FT-Raman spectra of a Compound 1 tromethanesalt 1 as prepared (bottom), after DVS (middle) and residue from aqueoussolubility determination (top). No differences are observed in thespectra.

FIG. 25 depicts superposed FT-Raman spectra of a Compound 1 L-lysinesalt 1 as prepared (bottom), after DVS (middle) and residue from aqueoussolubility determination (top).

FIG. 26 depicts superposed FT-Raman spectra of a Compound 1 magnesiumsalt 2 as prepared (bottom), after DVS (top) and residue from aqueoussolubility determination (middle).

FIG. 27 depicts superposed PXRD patterns of a Compound 1 potassium salt1 as prepared (high peaks on right) and after aqueous solubility (lowerpeaks on right).

FIG. 28 depicts superposed PXRD patterns of a Compound 1 sodium salt 1as prepared and after aqueous solubility.

FIG. 29 depicts superposed PXRD patterns of a Compound 1 tromethane salt1 as prepared and after aqueous solubility.

FIG. 30 depicts a superposed PXRD patterns of a Compound 1 L-lysine salt1 as prepared and after aqueous solubility.

FIG. 31 depicts a superposed PXRD patterns of a Compound 1 magnesiumsalt 2 as prepared (higher peaks) and after aqueous solubility (lowerpeaks).

FIG. 32 depicts graphical representation of the solubility profiles ofmicronized and non-micronized Compound 1 in 0.1N HCl containing 0.5%sodium lauryl sulfate.

FIG. 33 depicts graphical representation of the solubility profiles ofmicronized Compound 1 in phosphate buffered saline at pH 7.4.

FIG. 34 depicts the images under polarized light of micronized samplesof Compound 1.

FIG. 35 depicts the images under polarized light of non-micronizedsamples of Compound 1.

FIGS. 36A-D depict the effects of Compound 1 treatment in PAX6 mutantmice.

FIG. 36A depicts the effect of systemic Compound 1 treatment in micewith the PAX6 phenotype. The arrow-head indicates the lenticular stalk;the arrow indicates the cornea; and the asterisk indicates the ciliarymargin. WT=wild type; Mt=mutant; L=lens; R=retina; P=Postnatal day. FIG.36B depicts the histological comparison of 1% Compound 1 suspensionformulation instilled topically in PAX6 mutant eyes. FIG. 36C depictsPAX6 protein measurements in the retina and corneal epithelia from PAX6wild type (WT) and PAX6 mutant (SEY and NEU) mice. Black bars depict thewild type mice; white bars depict untreated mice; and checkered barsdepict mice after administration of a suspension formulation. * P<0.001(n=6). FIG. 36D provides box-and-whisker plots comparing maximum spatialfrequency threshold of topical Compound 1 in water and a suspensionformulation. Box-and-whisker plots were prepared showing the 5% and 95%quantiles (whiskers), 25% and 75% quartiles (box) and the median markedby the horizontal line.

FIGS. 37A-B depict the retinal and corneal histology in nmPAX6 (nonsensemutation PAX6) mutant mice. FIG. 37A depicts the results of topical(TOP) treatment with a suspension formulation at Postnatal Day 60 inPAX6 mutant eyes. Untreated PAX6 mutant control (CON) corneal epitheliumremains thin at Postnatal Day 60. P refers to postnatal day. FIG. 37Bprovides an image of retinal sections from wild-typesystemically-treated PAX6 mutant mice and untreated mice, showing thephotoreceptor inner segments (IS) and outer segments (OS) are shorter intreated mice (n=6). The outer nuclear layers (ONL) are more denselypacked in the treated mice compared with those in the wild-type mice.All the retinal layers in the untreated mice are thinner than normal.INL refers to inner nuclear layer; IPL refers to inner plexiform layer;GCL=ganglion cell layer.

5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

5.1. Definitions

As used herein, the term “premature translation termination” refers tothe result of a mutation that changes a codon corresponding to an aminoacid to a stop codon.

As used herein, the term “nonsense-mediated mRNA decay” refers to anymechanism that mediates the decay of mRNAs containing a prematuretranslation termination codon. In one embodiment, the nonsense-mediatedmRNA decay results from a nonsense mutation of DNA.

As used herein, the term “premature termination codon” or “prematurestop codon” refers to the occurrence of a stop codon where a codoncorresponding to an amino acid should be.

As used herein, the term “nonsense mutation” refers to a point mutationchanging a codon corresponding to an amino acid to a stop codon. In oneembodiment, the nonsense mutation is a mutation that occurs in DNA andis then transcribed into mRNA.

As used herein, the term “nonsense suppression” refers to the inhibitionor suppression of premature translation termination and/ornonsense-mediated mRNA decay. In one embodiment, the mRNA decay resultsfrom a nonsense mutation of DNA.

As used herein, the term “modulation of premature translationtermination and/or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay” refers to theupregulation of gene expression in the presence of a nonsensesuppression agent. For example, if it is desirable to increaseproduction of a defective protein encoded by a gene with a prematurestop codon, i.e., to permit read through of the premature stop codon ofthe disease gene so translation of the mRNA can occur, then modulationof premature translation termination and/or nonsense-mediated mRNA decayrequires the use of a nonsense suppression agent.

As used herein, the terms “adverse effect(s)” and “side effect(s)”include, but are not limited to, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache,dizziness, eye pain, eye swelling, eye burning.

As used herein, the terms “active agent,” “drug,” and “drug substance”refer to 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof provided herein (collectivelyreferred to herein as “Compound 1”).

As used herein, the term “dose(s)” means a quantity of active agent tobe administered at one time.

As used herein, the term “unit dosage form(s)” includes solid dosageforms such as tablets, caplets, capsules, lozenges, dispersions,powders, granules or gels and the like or liquid dosage forms such assolutions suspensions, emulsions or elixirs and the like and solid formsthat can be reconstituted to provide such liquid dosage forms, whereinsuch unit dosage form(s) are suitable for topical (e.g., ocular), oralor parenteral administration to a patient.

As used herein, the terms “dosing regimen” and “dosage(s)” mean theamount of an active agent given per time unit and the duration ofadministration.

As used herein, the terms “subject” and “patient” are usedinterchangeably to refer to an animal or any living organism havingsensation and the power of voluntary movement, and which requires oxygenand organic food to sustain existence. Non-limiting examples includemembers of the human, primate, equine, porcine, bovine, leporine,rattus, murine, canine and feline species. In some embodiments, thesubject is a mammal or a warm-blooded vertebrate animal. In certainembodiments, the subject is a non-human animal. In specific embodiments,the subject is a human. In certain embodiments, the subject is a fetus,embryo, infant, child, adolescent or adult. In one embodiment, geneticpre-screening has determined that the subject possesses a nonsensemutation. In another embodiment, genetic pre-screening has determinedwhich premature stop codon the patient has (i.e., UAA, UGA, or UAG).

As used herein, the term “effective amount” in the context of afunctional read-through protein refers to the amount of the functionalread-through protein(s) that has a prophylactic and/or therapeuticbenefit to a subject. In specific embodiments, an effective amount of afunctional read-through protein is the amount of protein that has inone, two or more of the following effects: (1) prevent the onset,development and/or progression of an ocular condition associated with anonsense mutation(s), (2) prevent the onset, development and/orprogression of one or more symptoms associated with an ocular conditionassociated with a nonsense mutation(s), (3) reduce the duration and/orseverity of an ocular condition associated with a nonsense mutation(s),(4) reduce the number of symptoms associated with an ocular conditionassociated with a nonsense mutation(s), (5) reduce the duration of oneor more symptoms associated with an ocular condition associated with anonsense mutation(s), (6) reduce the severity of one or more symptomsassociated with an ocular condition associated with a nonsensemutation(s) and (7) improve the quality of life of a subject. In aparticular embodiment, an effective amount of a functional read-throughprotein prevents blindness or loss of vision.

As used herein, the term “effective amount” in the context of theadministration of a compound described herein refers to the amount ofthe compound that has a prophylactic and/or therapeutic benefit to asubject. In specific embodiments, an effective amount of a compounddescribed herein that has in one, two or more of the following effects:(1) prevents the onset, development and/or progression of an ocularcondition associated with a nonsense mutation(s), (2) prevents theonset, development and/or progression of one or more symptoms associatedwith an ocular condition associated with a nonsense mutation(s), (3)reduces the duration and/or severity of an ocular condition associatedwith a nonsense mutation(s), (4) reduces the number of symptomsassociated with an ocular condition associated with a nonsensemutation(s), (5) reduces the duration of one or more symptoms associatedwith an ocular condition associated with a nonsense mutation(s), (6)reduces the severity of one or more symptoms associated with an ocularcondition associated with a nonsense mutation(s) and/or (7) improves thequality of life of a subject. In a particular embodiment, an effectiveamount of a compound described herein prevents blindness or loss ofvision. Examples of effective amounts of a compound described herein areprovided in Section 5.4, infra.

As used herein, the term “functional” in the context of a functionalread-through protein refers to a protein that has enough of thefunctions of the corresponding wild-type protein to have a beneficialeffect in a cell or subject which does not produce or producesinsufficient amounts of the wild-type protein as a result of a mutation(e.g., a nonsense mutation) in the nucleic acid sequence (e.g., gene)encoding the protein. In a specific embodiment, the functionalread-through protein(s) has one, two, three or more functions of thefull-length wild-type protein(s). In certain embodiments, the functionalread-through protein(s) produced is a functional non-wild-typeprotein(s). In certain embodiments, the functional read-throughprotein(s) produced is a functional wild-type protein(s). In someembodiments, the functional non-wild-type protein produced isfull-length. In some embodiments, the functional wild-type proteinproduced is full-length. In other embodiments, the functionalnon-wild-type protein(s) is not full-length. In other embodiments, thefunctional wild-type protein(s) produced is not full-length.

As used herein, the term “ocular disease” or “ocular conditionassociated with a nonsense mutation in a gene(s)” refers to a disease orcondition resulting either directly or indirectly from a nonsensemutation(s) in a gene(s), where the nonsense mutation(s) preventsproduction of a wild-type protein in an affected cell. Ocular conditionsassociated with a nonsense mutation encompass diseases in which a singlegene contains one, two, three or more nonsense mutations as well asocular diseases in which two, three or more (multiple) genes containone, two, three or more nonsense mutations.

As used herein, “in combination” in the context of the administration oftherapies refers to the use of more than one therapy. The use of theterm “in combination” does not restrict the order in which therapies areadministered to a subject with a disease. A first therapy can beadministered prior to (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30minutes, 45 minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks,5 weeks, 6 weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks before), concomitantly with, orsubsequent to (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes, 45minutes, 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48hours, 72 hours, 96 hours, 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 5 weeks, 6weeks, 8 weeks, or 12 weeks after) the administration of a secondtherapy to a subject which had, has, or is susceptible to a disease. Thetherapies are administered to a subject in a sequence and within a timeinterval such that ophthalmic dosage form(s) described herein can acttogether with another therapy to provide an increased benefit than ifthe therapies were administered alone. In certain other embodiments,another therapy may include a co-administered oral or parenteral dosageform.

As used herein, the terms “manage,” “managing” and “management” refer tothe beneficial effects that a patient derives from the administration ofa pharmaceutical composition provided herein comprising3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid or a saltthereof provided herein, which does not result in treating or preventingthe disease.

As used herein, the terms “prevent,” “preventing” and “prevention” referto the prevention of the onset, recurrence, spread or worsening of thedisease or a symptom thereof in a patient from the administration of apharmaceutical composition provided herein comprising3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid or a saltthereof provided herein to a patient with such a disease. Since diseasesassociated with a nonsense mutation have a genetic basis, a patient canbe screened for the presence of a nonsense mutation. When it isdetermined through screening that a patient has a nonsense mutation, aneffective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effectiveamount of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid or asalt thereof provided herein can be administered to the patient toprevent the onset, recurrence, spread or worsening of the disease or asymptom thereof.

As used herein, the terms “treat,” “treating” and “treatment” refer tothe eradication or amelioration of the disease or symptoms associatedwith the disease. In certain embodiments, such terms refer to minimizingthe spread or worsening of the disease in a patient from theadministration of a pharmaceutical composition provided hereincomprising 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid ora salt thereof provided herein to a patient with such a disease. When itis determined that a patient has a disease associated with a nonsensemutation, an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprisingan effective amount of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid or a saltthereof provided herein can be administered to the patient to eradicate,ameliorate, minimize the spread or worsening of the disease or a symptomthereof.

As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” means an acceptableerror for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill inthe art, which depends in part on how the value is measured ordetermined. In certain embodiments, the term “about” or “approximately”means within 1, 2, 3, or 4 standard deviations. In certain embodiments,the term “about” or “approximately” means within 50%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%,8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.05% of a given value orrange.

5.2. The Compound

A compound for use in the preparation of the pharmaceutical compositionsand salts provided herein is3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid, alsoreferred to by the generic name ataluren, having the structure ofFormula (I):

A compound of Formula (I) can be prepared according to the methodsdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,992,096, 7,678,922 and 8,367,841, thedisclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in itsentirety. Alternatively, a salt form of the compound of Formula (I) canbe also prepared based upon the teaching herein. The compound of Formula(I) and salts provided herein are collectively referred to as “Compound1.”

In one embodiment, Compound 1 used in the pharmaceutical compositions,processes, and methods provided herein is a free acid. In oneembodiment, the free acid is a solid. In another embodiment, the solidfree acid is amorphous. In yet another embodiment, the solid free acidis a crystalline form described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,863,456, 8,394,966and 8,748,625 the disclosure of each of which is incorporated byreference herein in its entirety. In yet another embodiment, the solidfree acid is a crystalline Form A. In yet another embodiment, the solidfree acid is a crystalline Form B. These solid forms of the compound ofFormula (I) can also be prepared according to the methods described inU.S. Pat. Nos. 7,863,456, 8,394,966 and 8,748,625 the disclosure of eachof which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.Alternatively, the solid forms of the compound of Formula (I) can bealso prepared according to other methods apparent to those of skill inthe art based upon the teaching herein.

In another embodiment, the free acid of the compound of Formula (I) is apharmaceutically acceptable solvate. In one embodiment, the free acid isa hydrate. In another embodiment, the compound of Formula (I) is apharmaceutically acceptable anhydrous form. In another embodiment, thefree acid of the compound of Formula (I) is a pharmaceuticallyacceptable cocrystal form such as a chelate, clathrate or a complex withDEAE-C (diethylaminoethyl-cellulose), DEAE-D (diethylaminoethyl-dextran)or a cyclodextrin. In certain embodiments, the cyclodextrin is selectedfrom α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin,hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin,dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin and dimethyl-γ-cyclodextrin.

In yet another embodiment, Compound 1 used in the pharmaceuticalcompositions, processes, and methods provided herein is apharmaceutically acceptable free acid of the compound of Formula (I). Inanother embodiment, Compound 1 used in the pharmaceutical compositions,processes, and methods provided herein is a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt of the compound of Formula (I). In another embodiment, Compound 1used in the pharmaceutical compositions, processes, and methods providedherein is a pharmaceutically acceptable anhydrous free acid or salt ofthe compound of Formula (I).

5.3. Salt Forms and Preparation Thereof

Provided herein are salt forms of Compound 1, comprising a salt selectedfrom L-arginine, L-histidine, L-lysine, magnesium methoxide, potassiumhydroxide, sodium hydroxide or tromethamine. More particularly, saltforms of Compound 1 comprise a salt selected from L-lysine, sodium ortromethamine. Also provided herein are evaporation methods for preparingin situ salt forms of Compound 1, comprising the steps of (1) mixing asolution of a salt and a solution of Compound 1; (2) evaporating themixed solution under a gas flow with a certain flow rate at a particulartemperature to yield a salt form; and (3) collecting the salt form.

In one embodiment, the solvent used to prepare the solution of the saltis selected from acetone, ethanol, THF, methanol, water, dichloromethaneor mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the salt is selected from aL-arginine, L-histidine, L-lysine, magnesium, potassium, sodium ortromethamine salt. In certain embodiments, the salt is selected from aL-lysine, sodium or tromethamine salt. In certain embodiments, theCompound 1 free acid may be found to be irritating. When conjugated witha cationic modifier selected from L-arginine, L-histidine, L-lysine,magnesium, potassium, sodium or tromethamine; or, with a complexingagent selected from DEAE-C, DEAE-D or a cyclodextrin, the resultingion-neutral form of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoicacid has increased permeability to ocular membranes and provides reducedirritability to the eye surface. The conjugated or complexed carboxylicacid of Compound 1 is unable to bind to ionic sites on the surface ofthe eye and, thus, irritability is reduced and permeability isincreased. Other embodiments include a cyclodextrin selected fromα-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin,hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin,dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin and dimethyl-γ-cyclodextrin. In certainembodiments, the cationic modifier is present in a range of from about0.01% to about 5.0% w/v, about 0.5% to about 5.0% w/v, about 0.1% toabout 5.0% w/v, about 0.01% to about 2.0% w/v, about 0.5% to about 2.0%w/v or about 0.1% to about 2.0% w/v. In certain embodiments, thecomplexing agent is present in a range of from about 0.01% to about10.0% w/v, about 0.5% to about 10.0% w/v, about 0.1% to about 10.0% w/v,about 0.01% to about 2.0% w/v, about 0.5% to about 2.0% w/v or about0.1% to about 2.0% w/v.

In one embodiment, the solvent used to prepare the solution of Compound1 is selected from acetone, ethanol, THF, methanol, water,dichloromethane or mixtures thereof. In one embodiment, the gas isnitrogen. In one embodiment, the flow rate of the gas used forevaporation is about 0.4 L/minute. In one embodiment, the particulartemperature is about 25° C. In one embodiment, the volume of each mixedsolution is about 200 μL. In one embodiment, the salt solutionconcentration is in a range of from about 0.005 mol/L to about 0.250mol/L; or, more particularly, about 0.008 mol/L, about 0.028 mol/L,about 0.050 mol/L or about 0.230 mol/L.

In one embodiment, the salt solution concentration for use with Compound1 is in a range of from about 0.0025 mol/L to about 0.075 mol/L; or,more particularly, about 0.004 mol/L, about 0.011 mol/L, or about 0.050mol/L. In one embodiment, the stoichiometric equivalence of Compound1:salt is about 1:1, about 1:1.15, about 1:1.25, about 1:1.5, about1:1.66, about 1:2, about 1:2.5, about 1:3, about 1:4 or about 1:5.

In one embodiment, the mass ratio between the salt and Compound 1 isabout 1.25, about 1.5, about 1.66, about 2, about 2.5, about 3, about 4or about 5. In one embodiment, the total mass of the salt and Compound 1in a 200 μL mixed solution is about 0.001 mg, about 0.0015 mg, about0.002 mg, about 0.0025 mg, about 0.003 mg, about 0.004 mg, about 0.005mg, about 0.006 mg, about 0.007 mg, about 0.008 mg, about 0.009 mg,about 0.01 mg, about 0.015 mg, about 0.02 mg, about 0.025 mg, about 0.03mg, about 0.04 mg, about 0.05 mg, about 0.06 mg, about 0.07 mg, about0.08 mg, about 0.09 mg, about 0.1 mg, about 0.15 mg, about 0.2 mg, about0.25 mg, about 0.3 mg, about 0.4 mg, about 0.5 mg, about 0.6 mg, about0.7 mg, about 0.8 mg, about 0.9 mg or about 1.0 mg.

Provided herein is a salt form comprising3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid and a saltselected from the group consisting of a magnesium salt, a potassiumsalt, a sodium salt, a tromethamine salt, an L-lysine salt, anL-arginine salt, an N-methyl glucamine salt and an L-histidine salt.Provided herein is a salt form comprising3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid and a saltselected from the group consisting of a tromethamine salt and anL-lysine salt.

Further provided herein are slurry methods for preparing salt forms ofCompound 1, comprising the steps of (1) mixing a salt and Compound 1 ina solvent; (2) evaporating the mixture under a gas flow with a certainflow rate at a particular temperature for a period of time to yield asalt form; and (3) collecting the salt form. In one embodiment, thesolvent used to prepare the mixture is selected from ethyl acetate,2-propanol, t-butyl methyl ether, toluene or mixtures thereof. In oneembodiment, the gas is nitrogen. In one embodiment, the gas flow rate isabout 0.4 L/minute. In one embodiment, the particular temperature isabout 25° C. In one embodiment, the period of time is about 2 days.

Further provided herein are precipitation methods for preparing saltforms of Compound 1, comprising the steps of (1) adding a solution of asalt into a solution of Compound 1; (2) evaporating the mixture under agas flow with a certain flow rate at a particular temperature for aperiod of time to yield a salt form; and (3) collecting the salt. In oneembodiment, the solvent used to prepare the solution of the salt iswater. In one embodiment, the solvent used to obtain the solution ofCompound 1 is THF. In one embodiment, the gas is nitrogen. In oneembodiment, the gas flow rate is about 80 mL/minute. In one embodiment,the particular temperature is about 25° C. In one embodiment, the periodof time is about 2 days.

5.3.1. Compound 1 Magnesium Salt

In one embodiment, provided herein is a magnesium salt of Compound 1.

In one embodiment, the magnesium salt of Compound 1 is a solid form ofCompound 1. In another embodiment, the magnesium salt is amorphous. Inanother embodiment, the magnesium salt is crystalline.

In certain embodiments, the magnesium salt provided herein is obtainedby evaporation methods. In certain embodiments, the magnesium salt isobtained from certain solvent systems including a mixture of MeOH andCH₂Cl₂ (such as about 1:3 v/v). In one embodiment, the magnesium saltobtained from a mixture of MeOH and CH₂Cl₂ is amorphous.

In certain embodiments, the magnesium salt provided herein is obtainedby precipitation methods. In one embodiment, the solvent of the solutionof the salt former is water. In one embodiment, the solvent of thesolution of Compound 1 is THF. In one embodiment, the magnesium saltobtained from a mixture of THF and water is crystalline.

In one embodiment, the magnesium salt is a 4 molar water solvate.

In one embodiment, the stoichiometric ratio of the magnesium salt forCompound 1:Magnesium is about 1:0.5.

In certain embodiments, a solid form provided herein, e.g., a magnesiumsalt, is substantially crystalline, as indicated by, e.g., X-ray powderdiffraction measurements. In one embodiment, the magnesium salt has anX-ray powder diffraction pattern substantially as shown in FIG. 2.

In one embodiment, provided herein is a magnesium salt having Ramanspectra substantially as depicted in FIG. 1.

5.3.2. Compound 1 Potassium Salt

In one embodiment, provided herein is a potassium salt of Compound 1.

In one embodiment, the potassium salt of Compound 1 is a solid form ofCompound 1. In another embodiment, the potassium salt is crystalline.

In certain embodiments, the potassium salt provided herein is obtainedby evaporation methods. In certain embodiments, the potassium salt isobtained from certain solvent systems including a mixture of THF andwater (such as about 5:1 v/v).

In certain embodiments, a solid form provided herein, e.g., a potassiumsalt, is substantially crystalline, as indicated by, e.g., X-ray powderdiffraction measurements. In one embodiment, the potassium salt has anX-ray powder diffraction pattern substantially as shown in FIG. 4.

In one embodiment, provided herein is a potassium salt having Ramanspectra substantially as depicted in FIG. 3.

5.3.3. Compound 1 Sodium Salt

In one embodiment, provided herein is a sodium salt of Compound 1.

In one embodiment, the sodium salt of Compound 1 is a solid form ofCompound 1. In another embodiment, the sodium salt is crystalline.

In certain embodiments, the sodium salt provided herein is obtained byevaporation methods. In certain embodiments, the sodium salt is obtainedfrom certain solvent systems including a mixture of ethanol and water(such as about 8:1 v/v).

In one embodiment, the sodium salt is a 1.5 molar water solvate.

In one embodiment, the stoichiometric ratio of the sodium salt forCompound 1:sodium is about 1:1.

In certain embodiments, a solid form provided herein, e.g., a sodiumsalt, is substantially crystalline, as indicated by, e.g., X-ray powderdiffraction measurements. In one embodiment, the sodium salt has anX-ray powder diffraction pattern substantially as shown in FIG. 6.

In one embodiment, provided herein is a sodium salt having Raman spectrasubstantially as depicted in FIG. 5.

5.3.4. Compound 1 Tromethamine Salt

In one embodiment, provided herein is a tromethamine salt of Compound 1.

In one embodiment, the tromethamine salt of Compound 1 is a solid formof Compound 1. In another embodiment, the tromethamine salt iscrystalline.

In certain embodiments, the tromethamine salt provided herein isobtained by evaporation methods. In certain embodiments, thetromethamine salt is obtained from certain solvent systems including amixture of acetone and methanol (such as about 10:1 v/v) or a mixture ofwater and methanol (such as about 1:1 v/v).

In one embodiment, the stoichiometric ratio of the tromethamine salt forCompound 1:tromethamine is about 1:0.5 in a 0.5:0.5 methanol:watermixture.

In certain embodiments, a solid form provided herein, e.g., atromethamine salt, is substantially crystalline, as indicated by, e.g.,X-ray powder diffraction measurements. In one embodiment, thetromethamine salt has an X-ray powder diffraction pattern substantiallyas shown in FIG. 8.

In one embodiment, provided herein is a tromethamine salt having Ramanspectra substantially as depicted in FIG. 7.

In one embodiment, provided herein is a tromethamine salt having ¹H NMRsubstantially as depicted in FIG. 9.

In one embodiment, provided herein is a tromethamine salt having DVSsubstantially as depicted in FIG. 19. In one embodiment, the DVS resultshows about 2% overall weight loss. In one embodiment, the DVS resultshows about 3% overall weight loss. In one embodiment, the DVS resultshows about 4% overall weight loss.

5.3.5. Compound 1 L-Lysine Salt

In one embodiment, provided herein is an L-lysine salt of Compound 1.

In one embodiment, the L-lysine salt of Compound 1 is a solid form ofCompound 1. In another embodiment, the L-lysine salt is crystalline.

In certain embodiments, the L-lysine salt provided herein is obtained byevaporation methods. In certain embodiments, the L-lysine salt isobtained from certain solvent systems including a mixture of THF andwater (such as about 5:1 v/v).

In one embodiment, the stoichiometric ratio of the L-lysine salt forCompound 1:L-lysine is about 1:1.

In certain embodiments, a solid form provided herein, e.g., an L-lysinesalt, is substantially crystalline, as indicated by, e.g., X-ray powderdiffraction measurements. In one embodiment, the L-lysine salt has anX-ray powder diffraction pattern substantially as shown in FIG. 12.

In one embodiment, provided herein is an L-lysine salt having Ramanspectra substantially as depicted in FIG. 11.

5.3.6. Compound 1 L-Arginine Salt

In one embodiment, provided herein is an L-arginine salt of Compound 1.

In one embodiment, the L-arginine salt of Compound 1 is a solid form ofCompound 1. In another embodiment, the L-arginine salt is crystalline.

In certain embodiments, the L-arginine salt provided herein is obtainedby evaporation methods. In certain embodiments, the L-arginine salt isobtained from certain solvent systems including a mixture of ethanol andwater (such as about 10:1 v/v).

In certain embodiments, a solid form provided herein, e.g., anL-arginine salt, is substantially crystalline, as indicated by, e.g.,X-ray powder diffraction measurements. In one embodiment, the L-argininesalt has an X-ray powder diffraction pattern substantially as shown inFIG. 14.

In one embodiment, provided herein is an L-arginine salt having Ramanspectra substantially as depicted in FIG. 13.

5.3.7. Compound 1 L-Histidine Salt

In one embodiment, provided herein is an L-histidine salt of Compound 1.

In one embodiment, the L-histidine salt of Compound 1 is a solid form ofCompound 1. In another embodiment, the L-histidine salt is crystalline.

In certain embodiments, the L-histidine salt provided herein is obtainedby evaporation methods. In certain embodiments, the L-histidine salt isobtained from certain solvent systems including a mixture of THF andwater (such as about 5:1 v/v).

In certain embodiments, a solid form provided herein, e.g., anL-histidine salt, is substantially crystalline, as indicated by, e.g.,X-ray powder diffraction measurements. In one embodiment, theL-histidine salt has an X-ray powder diffraction pattern substantiallyas shown in FIG. 16.

In one embodiment, provided herein is an L-histidine salt having Ramanspectra substantially as depicted in FIG. 15.

5.4. Pharmaceutical Compositions

Pharmaceutical compositions and single unit dosage forms comprising aneffective amount of Compound 1 can be used in the methods providedherein. Individual dosage forms may be suitable for oral, dermal,mucosal (including, without limitation, ophthalmic, sublingual, buccal,rectal, nasal, or vaginal) or parenteral administration (including,without limitation, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraarterial,intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intraventricular, intraurethral,intrasternal, intracranial, intrasynovial, intravesical, intravitreous,intraocular, intracorneal or intravenous and any another similarinjection or infusion technique). Preferred pharmaceutical compositionsand single unit dosage forms are suitable for oral administration. Incertain embodiments, prenatal administration of Compound 1 may be via aoral or parenteral route. In certain embodiments, Compound 1 may beprenatally administered orally, such as in a tablet or capsule dosageform. In certain other embodiments, Compound 1 may be prenatallyadministered parenterally, such as via an intravenous dosage form. Incertain embodiments, Compound 1 may be postnatally administeredtopically, orally, or parenterally. In certain embodiments, Compound 1may be postnatally administered topically. using a dosage form such as atopical ophthalmic dosage form (e.g., a topical gel or eye dropsolution).

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises fromabout 0.1% to about 99%, from about 5% to about 90%, from about 5% toabout 50%, from about 10% to about 40%, from about 20% to about 30%,from about 0.1% to about 5%, from about 0.1% to about 2.5%, from about0.1% to about 1% or from about 0.25% to about 0.5% by weight/volume(w/v) of Compound 1. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceuticalcomposition comprises about 0.01%, about 0.02%, about 0.025%, about0.05%, about 0.1%, about 0.15%, about 0.2%, about 0.25%, about 0.5%,about 1%, about 2%, about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 50%, about 60%, about 70%,about 80%, or about 90% by weight of Compound 1. In certain embodiments,the pharmaceutical composition comprises about 0.05%, about 0.1%, about0.2%, about 0.25%, about 0.5% or about 1% by weight of Compound 1. Inother embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition comprises about 0.05%,about 0.1%, about 0.2% or about 0.5% by weight of Compound 1.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition provided hereincomprises from about 1 to 5,000 mg, from about 10 to about 2,000 mg,from about 50 to about 1,000 mg, from about 100 to about 1,000 mg, orfrom about 100 to about 500 mg of Compound 1. In certain embodiments,the pharmaceutical composition provided herein comprises about 125 mg,about 200 mg, about 250 mg, about 325 mg, about 400 mg, about 500 mg, orabout 1000 mg of Compound 1. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceuticalcomposition provided herein comprises about 120 mg, about 130 mg, about195 mg, about 205 mg, about 245 mg, about 255 mg, about 320 mg, about330 mg, about 395 mg, about 405 mg, about 495 mg, about 505 mg, about mg995, or about 1005 mg of Compound 1.

In certain embodiments, Compound 1 in the pharmaceutical compositionsprovided here is the free acid of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid or a salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid providedherein.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be provided in aunit-dosage form or multiple-dosage form. A unit-dosage form, as usedherein, refers to a physically discrete unit suitable for administrationto a human and animal subject using packaging known in the art. Eachunit-dose contains a predetermined quantity of an active ingredient(s)sufficient to produce the desired therapeutic effect, in associationwith the required pharmaceutical carriers or excipients. Examples of aunit-dosage form include an ampoule, syringe, and individually packagedpacket, sachet, tablet, capsule or eyedrop. For example, a 125 mg unitdose contains about 125 mg of an active ingredient in a packaged packet,sachet, tablet, capsule or eyedrop. A unit-dosage form may beadministered in fractions or multiples thereof. A multiple-dosage formis a plurality of identical unit-dosage forms packaged in a singlecontainer to be administered as segregated unit-dosage forms. Examplesof a multiple-dosage form include a packet or sachet of granules orpowder, a vial or bottle of tablets or capsules, or a bottle of liquidsolution in fluid ounces, pints or gallons for administration via aneye-dropper.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be administered as asingle or divided dose over a period of time. It is understood that theprecise dosage and duration of treatment may vary with the age, weight,and condition of the patient being treated, and may be determinedempirically using known testing protocols or by extrapolation from invivo or in vitro test or diagnostic data. It is further understood thatfor any particular individual, specific dosage regimens should beadjusted over time according to the individual need and the professionaljudgment of the person administering or supervising the administrationof the formulations.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein isadministered directly to the eye of a patient once, twice or thrice perday.

5.4.1. Topical Formulations and Postnatal Administration

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided hereincomprising Compound 1 are formulated for postnatal topicaladministration. In specific embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositionsprovided herein are formulated topical ophthalmic solutions (eye drops),which are normally available as a sterile, isotonic solution (i.e., at apH of between about 3 and about 8, between about 4 to about 8, or about4.5, between about 7 to about 8, or about 7.4), optionally furthercomprising a preservative.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided hereincomprise a micronized form of Compound 1 having enhanced permeabilityand solubility and reduced irritation. In certain embodiments, thepharmaceutical compositions provided herein comprise a nanoparticle formof Compound 1 having enhanced permeability and solubility and reducedirritation.

In specific embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided hereincomprise a micronized form of Compound 1 wherein >90% of the particlesof Compound 1 have a diameter (the D₉₀ value) of about 25 microns, about20 microns, about 15 microns, about 10 microns, about 9 microns, about 8microns, about 7 microns, about 6 microns, about 5 microns, about 4microns, about 3 microns, about 2 microns or about 1 micron. In certainembodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein comprise ananoparticle form of Compound 1 having enhanced solubility. In specificembodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein comprise ananoparticle form of Compound 1 wherein >90% of the particles ofCompound 1 have a diameter (the D₉₀ value) of about 0.3 microns, about0.25 microns, about 0.2 microns, about 0.15 microns, about 0.1 microns,about 0.09 microns, about 0.08 microns, about 0.07 microns, about 0.06microns, about 0.05 microns, about 0.04 microns, about 0.03 microns,about 0.02 microns or about 0.01 microns.

The term “eye drops” as used herein refers to a pharmaceutical liquidformulation which is administered in the form of drops on the externalsurface of the eye and which has a local effect on the interior andposterior segment of the eye, including the cornea, iris, choroid,retinal pigment epithelium, retina, macula, fovea, optic nerve andvitreous humor.

For ophthalmic applications, Compound 1 is formulated into solutions,suspensions or ointments appropriate for use in the eye. For ophthalmicformulations generally, see Mitra (ed.), Ophthalmic Drug DeliverySystems, Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, N.Y. (1993) and also Havener, W.H., Ocular Pharmacology, C.V. Mosby Co., St. Louis (1983). Ophthalmicpharmaceutical compositions may be adapted for topical administration tothe eye in the form of solutions, suspensions, ointments, creams or as asolid insert. For a single dose, from between 0.1 ng to 5000 μg, 1 ng to500 μg, or 10 ng to 100 μg of Compound 1 can be applied to an eyesurface.

A topical formulation may be in any form suitable for topicaladministration, including, without being limited thereto, an ophthalmicsolution (e.g. eye drops), an ophthalmic suspension, an ophthalmicnanosuspension, an ophthalmic emulsion, an ophthalmic nanoemulsion, anophthalmic gel or an ophthalmic ointment or oily lotion. Topicaladministration of Compound 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable saltthereof also comprises the use of ophthalmic patches carrying anCompound 1 or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof in a suitabledrug containing layer and to be placed on top of the eye as well as toocular inserts which are devices containing Compound 1 or apharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and placed into the inferior orsuperior conjunctival sacs.

Eye drops may be prepared by dissolving Compound 1 or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof and a cationic modifier in a sterile aqueoussolution such as saline, buffering solution and the like, or bycombining powder compositions to be dissolved before use. Otheradditives may be included in the eye drops such as isotonizing agents(e.g., sodium chloride, boric acid, mannitol, sorbitol, trehalose,glycerin and the like), buffer agents (e.g., boric acid, sodiummonohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate and the like),preservatives (e.g., benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride,disodium ethylenediametetraacetic acid (EDTA), Polyquarternium-1(PolyQuad), Polyhexamethylene Biguanide (PHMB), chlorobutanol and thelike), saccharide thickeners (e.g., lactose, mannitol, maltose and thelike), hyaluronic acid or salts thereof (e.g., sodium hyaluronate,potassium hyaluronate and the like), mucopolysaccharides (e.g.,chondroitin sulfate and the like), wetting polymers (e.g., sodiumpolyacrylate, carboxyvinyl polymer, crosslinked polyacrylate and thelike).

Embodiments of ophthalmic formulations described herein contain anisotonic ophthalmic solution having a tonicity equal to that of a 0.9%sodium chloride solution (290 mOsm). The tonicity of an ophthalmicsolution can be adjusted using methods described in Remington: TheScience and Practice of Pharmacy (D B Troy, et al, 2006), known to thoseversed in the art.

Eye ointments may be prepared by mixing Compound 1 or a pharmaceuticallyacceptable salt thereof into a base. Nonlimiting examples of a base foran eye ointment include petrolatum, selen 50, Plastibase, macrogol andthe like.

Certain embodiments of ophthalmic formulations described herein mayoptionally contain viscosity enhancers such as carboxymethyl cellulose,carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose,polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400, polyvinyl alcohol,providone and the like.

Other embodiments of ophthalmic formulations described herein mayoptionally contain viscosity enhancers derived from natural productssuch as veegum, alginates, xanthan gum, gelatin, acacia, tragacanth andthe like.

In one embodiment, the ophthalmic delivery systems described hereincomprise an isotonic solution for multiple dose ophthalmic applicationusing Compound 1 for postnatally treating, preventing, or managing anocular disease ameliorated by modulation of premature translationtermination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, comprising administering toa patient having an ocular disease ameliorated by modulation ofpremature translation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay aneffective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein or an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of a saltof 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein.

In one embodiment, an ophthalmic delivery system comprising an isotonicsolution for daily multiple or single dose use ophthalmic applicationwith extended life is used for postnatally treating, preventing, ormanaging an ocular disease ameliorated by modulation of prematuretranslation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, comprisingadministering to a patient having an ocular disease ameliorated bymodulation of premature translation termination or nonsense-mediatedmRNA decay an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein or an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of a saltof 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein.

In one embodiment, an ophthalmic delivery system utilizing viscoussolutions or thermosetting gel is used for unit or multiple doseophthalmic application for postnatally treating, preventing, or managingan ocular disease ameliorated by modulation of premature translationtermination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, comprising administering toa patient having an ocular disease ameliorated by modulation ofpremature translation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay aneffective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein or an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of a saltof 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein.

In one embodiment, an ophthalmic delivery system utilizing a liposomalemulsion to protect Compound 1 from proteolysis is used for postnatallytreating, preventing, or managing an ocular disease ameliorated bymodulation of premature translation termination or nonsense-mediatedmRNA decay, comprising administering to a patient having an oculardisease ameliorated by modulation of premature translation terminationor nonsense-mediated mRNA decay an effective amount of a pharmaceuticalcomposition of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acidprovided herein or an effective amount of a pharmaceutical compositionof a salt of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acidprovided herein.

In one embodiment, an ophthalmic delivery system comprising Compound 1entrapped in albumin microspheres is used for slow release of Compound 1for postnatally treating, preventing, or managing an ocular diseaseameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination ornonsense-mediated mRNA decay, comprising administering to a patienthaving an ocular disease ameliorated by modulation of prematuretranslation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay an effectiveamount of a pharmaceutical composition of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein or an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition of a saltof 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein.

In one embodiment, an ophthalmic delivery system comprising Compound 1entrapped in injectable PLA/PGA microspheres is used for depot releaseof Compound 1 in the ophthalmic tissues for postnatally treating,preventing, or managing an ocular disease ameliorated by modulation ofpremature translation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay,comprising administering to a patient having an ocular diseaseameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination ornonsense-mediated mRNA decay an effective amount of a pharmaceuticalcomposition of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acidprovided herein or an effective amount of a pharmaceutical compositionof a salt of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acidprovided herein.

In one embodiment, an ophthalmic delivery system comprising Compound 1in a slowly eroding, biodegradable film to deliver slow release ofCompound 1 topically or via implant is used for postnatally treating,preventing, or managing an ocular disease ameliorated by modulation ofpremature translation termination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay,comprising administering to a patient having an ocular diseaseameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination ornonsense-mediated mRNA decay an effective amount of a pharmaceuticalcomposition of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acidprovided herein or an effective amount of a pharmaceutical compositionof a salt of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acidprovided herein.

The ophthalmic solution, suspension or ointment described herein forpostnatally treating, preventing, or managing an ocular diseaseameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination ornonsense-mediated mRNA decay may contain non-toxic auxiliary substancessuch as preservative components which are non-injurious in use, forexample, benzalkonium chloride, disodium EDTA, polyquarternium-1,polyhexamethylene biguanide, methyl and propyl paraben, benzyldodeciniumbromide, benzyl alcohol, or phenylethanol; buffering ingredients such assodium chloride, sodium borate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, boricacid, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate orgluconate buffers; and other conventional ingredients such as sorbitanmonolaurate, triethanolamine, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monopalmitylate,ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, and the like.

The ophthalmic solution, suspension or ointment described herein forpostnatally treating, preventing, or managing an ocular diseaseameliorated by modulation of premature translation termination ornonsense-mediated mRNA decay may be administered as often as necessaryto maintain an acceptable level of Compound 1 in the eye. Administrationto the mammalian eye may be about once, twice or thrice daily.

In certain embodiments, Compound 1 may be combined with purified waterand adjusted for solubility, physiological pH and isotonicity using abuffering agent. Examples of buffering agents to maintain or adjust pHinclude, but are not limited to, acetate buffers, citrate buffers,phosphate buffers and borate buffers. Examples of agents to maintain oradjust tonicity include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride, boricacid, mannitol, sorbitol, trehalose, glycerin and the like. In one ormore embodiments, the concentration of the tonicity agent may be in arange of from about 0.01% to about 10.0% w/v, about 0.01% to about 5.0%w/v, about 0.01% to about 2.0% w/v or about 0.01% to about 1.0% w/v. Incertain embodiments, the concentration of the tonicity agent may be in arange of from about 0.1% to about 5.0% w/v, about 0.1% to about 2.0% w/vor about 0.1% to about 1.0% w/v.

Certain formulations for ophthalmic use may be optionally aliquoted intoeither a plurality of discrete, sterile disposable cartridges each ofwhich is suitable for unit dosing, or a single cartridge for unitdosing. Such a single disposable cartridge may be, for example, aconical or cylindrical specific volume dispenser, with a containerhaving side-walls squeezable in a radial direction to a longitudinalaxis in order to dispense the container contents therefrom at one end ofthe container. Such disposable containers are currently used to dispenseeye drops at 0.3 to 0.4 mL per unit dosing, and are ideally adaptablefor the delivery of eye drops.

Ophthalmic solutions may also be packaged in multidose form, forexample, as a plastic bottle with an eye-dropper. In such formulations,preservatives are optionally added to prevent microbial contaminationafter opening of the container. Suitable preservatives include, but arenot limited to: benzalkonium chloride, disodium EDTA, polyquarternium-1,polyhexamethylene biguanide, chlorobutanol, methylparaben,propylparaben, phenylethyl alcohol, sorbic acid, or other agents knownto those skilled in the art, and all of which are contemplated for usein the present invention. In certain embodiments, the preservative isselected from benzalkonium chloride, disodium EDTA, polyquarternium-1 orpolyhexamethylene biguanide. Preservative-containing formulations maycomprise from about 0.001 to about 1.0%, about 0.05 to about 0.75%,about 0.05 to about 0.5%, about 0.05 to about 0.25% or about 0.01 toabout 0.25% weight/volume of the preservative.

In certain embodiments, polymers may be added to an ophthalmicformulation in order to increase the viscosity of the vehicle, therebyprolonging contact of the solution with the cornea and enhancingbioavailability. In certain embodiments, such polymers are selected fromcellulose derivatives (e.g., methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose,hydroxypropylcellulose or carboxymethylcellulose), dextran 70, gelatin,polyols, glycerin, polyethylene glycol 300, polyethylene glycol 400,polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol and povidone, or acombination thereof

In certain embodiments ophthalmic formulations as disclosed herein mayfurther comprise stabilizer/solubilizer such as a cyclodextrin. Incertain embodiments, the cyclodextrin is selected from α-cyclodextrin,β-cyclodextrin, γ-cyclodextrin, hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin,hydroxypropyl-γ-cyclodextrin, dimethyl-β-cyclodextrin anddimethyl-γ-cyclodextrin.

In certain embodiments, a compound as disclosed herein, such as Compound1 may be administered in a sustained release ophthalmic solutionformulation. In a specific embodiment, the sustained release ophthalmicsolution formulation further comprises an “insert,” wherein the inserthas bioadhesion properties for stable fixation to the therapeutic targetarea of the body; or, has ion exchange or permeability properties forloading a therapeutic agent for release over a period of time; or, hasbiodegradation properties for non-invasive removal after the effectivedose of the therapeutic agent is delivered.

Any method known to those in the art for contacting a cell, organ ortissue with a compound may be employed. Suitable methods include invitro, ex vivo, or in vivo methods. In vivo methods typically includethe administration of Compound 1 to a mammal, preferably a human. Whenused in vivo for therapy, Compound 1 is administered to the subject ineffective amounts {i.e., amounts that have desired therapeutic effect).The dose and dosage regimen will depend upon the degree of theophthalmic condition in the subject and the characteristics of Compound1, e.g., therapeutic index for the subject and the subject's clinicalhistory.

The effective amount of Compound 1 may be determined during pre-clinicaltrials and clinical trials by methods familiar to physicians andclinicians. An effective amount of Compound 1 useful in the methods ofthe present invention, preferably in a pharmaceutical composition, maybe administered to a mammal in need thereof by any of a number ofwell-known methods for administering pharmaceutical compounds. In someembodiments, Compound 1 is administered systemically. In someembodiments, Compound 1 is administered locally. In some embodiments,Compound 1 is administered epicutaneously, orally, nasally, parenterally(intravenously, intramuscularly, intraperitoneally, or subcutaneously),topically, rectally, intracavernously, intradermally, transdermally, byinhalation, intraarterially, intracerebrally, interosseusly,intrathecally, intravesically, iontophoretically, ocularly, etc.Administration includes self-administration and administration byanother.

For ophthalmic applications, Compound 1 is delivered in atherapeutically effective amount to select parts of the eye, includingposterior chamber, ora serrata, ciliary muscle, ciliary zonules, canalof Schlemm, pupil, anterior chamber, cornea, iris, lens cortex, lensnucleus, ciliary process, conjunctiva, inferior oblique muscle, inferiorrectus muscle, medial rectus muscle, retinal arteries and veins, opticdisc, dura mater, central retinal artery, central retinal vein, opticnerve, vorticose vein, bulbar sheath, macula, fovea, sclera, choroid,superior rectus muscle, and retina.

In certain embodiments, the frequency of administration can varygreatly, depending on the needs of each subject and the severity of thedisease to be treated, such administration may be from about once a weekto about ten times a day, such as from about three times a week to aboutthree times a day, or once or twice a day.

5.4.2. Oral Formulations and Prenatal Administration

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions provided hereinare formulated for prenatal delivery via oral administration to anatural mother or surrogate. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceuticalcompositions provided herein for oral administration are provided insolid, semisolid, or liquid dosage forms for oral administration. Asused herein, oral administration also includes buccal, lingual, andsublingual administration. Suitable oral dosage forms include, but arenot limited to, tablets, sublingual or buccal films (i.e., fastmelts),chewable tablets, capsules, pills, strips, troches, lozenges, pastilles,cachets, pellets, medicated chewing gum, bulk powders, effervescent ornon-effervescent powders or granules, oral mists, solutions, emulsions,suspensions, wafers, sprinkles, elixirs, and syrups. In addition to theactive ingredient, the pharmaceutical compositions can contain one ormore pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients, including, butnot limited to, binders, fillers, diluents, disintegrants, wettingagents, surfactants, lubricants, glidants, pH-modifiers, coloringagents, dye-migration inhibitors, sweetening agents, flavoring agents,emulsifying agents, suspending and dispersing agents, preservatives,solvents, non-aqueous liquids, organic acids, and sources of carbondioxide.

Binders or granulators impart cohesiveness to a tablet to ensure thetablet remaining intact after compression. Suitable binders orgranulators include, but are not limited to, starches, such as cornstarch, potato starch, and pre-gelatinized starch (e.g., STARCH 1500);gelatin; sugars, such as sucrose, glucose, dextrose, molasses, andlactose; natural and synthetic gums, such as acacia, alginic acid,alginates, extract of Irish moss, panwar gum, ghatti gum, mucilage ofisabgol husks, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose,polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), Veegum, larch arabogalactan, powderedtragacanth, and guar gum; celluloses, such as ethyl cellulose, celluloseacetate, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethyl cellulose calcium,sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose(HEC), hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose(HPMC); microcrystalline celluloses, such as AVICEL-PH-101,AVICEL-PH-103, AVICEL RC-581, AVICEL-PH-105 (FMC Corp., Marcus Hook,Pa.); and mixtures thereof. Suitable fillers include, but are notlimited to, talc, calcium carbonate, microcrystalline cellulose,powdered cellulose, dextrates, kaolin, mannitol, silicic acid, sorbitol,starch, pre-gelatinized starch, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable diluents include, but are not limited to, dicalcium phosphate,calcium sulfate, lactose, sorbitol, sucrose, inositol, cellulose,kaolin, mannitol, sodium chloride, dry starch, and powdered sugar.Certain diluents, such as mannitol, lactose, sorbitol, sucrose, andinositol, when present in sufficient quantity, can impart properties tosome compressed tablets that permit disintegration in the mouth bychewing. Such compressed tablets can be used as chewable tablets.

Suitable disintegrants include, but are not limited to, agar; bentonite;celluloses, such as methyl cellulose and carboxymethyl cellulose; woodproducts; natural sponge; cation-exchange resins; alginic acid; gums,such as guar gum and Veegum HV; citrus pulp; cross-linked celluloses,such as croscarmellose; cross-linked polymers, such as crospovidone;cross-linked starches; calcium carbonate; microcrystalline cellulose,such as sodium starch glycolate; polacrilin potassium; starches, such ascorn starch, potato starch, tapioca starch, and pre-gelatinized starch;clays; aligns; and mixtures thereof. The pharmaceutical compositionsprovided herein may contain from about 0.5 to about 15% or from about 1to about 5% by weight of a disintegrant.

Suitable lubricants include, but are not limited to, calcium stearate;magnesium stearate; mineral oil; light mineral oil; glycerin; sorbitol;mannitol; glycols, such as glycerol behenate and polyethylene glycol(PEG); stearic acid; sodium lauryl sulfate; talc; hydrogenated vegetableoil, including peanut oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil,olive oil, corn oil, and soybean oil; zinc stearate; ethyl oleate; ethyllaureate; agar; starch; lycopodium; silica or silica gels, such asAEROSIL® 200 (W.R. Grace Co., Baltimore, Md.) and CAB-O-SIL® (Cabot Co.of Boston, Mass.); and mixtures thereof. The pharmaceutical compositionsprovided herein may contain about 0.1 to about 5% by weight of alubricant.

Suitable glidants include, but are not limited to, colloidal silicondioxide, CAB-O-SIL® (Cabot Co. of Boston, Mass.), and asbestos-freetalc. Suitable coloring agents include, but are not limited to, any ofthe approved, certified, water soluble FD&C dyes, and water insolubleFD&C dyes suspended on alumina hydrate, and color lakes and mixturesthereof. A color lake is the combination by adsorption of awater-soluble dye to a hydrous oxide of a heavy metal, resulting in aninsoluble form of the dye. Suitable flavoring agents include, but arenot limited to, natural flavors extracted from plants, such as fruits,and synthetic blends of compounds which produce a pleasant tastesensation, such as peppermint and methyl salicylate.

Suitable sweetening agents include, but are not limited to, sucrose,lactose, mannitol, syrups, glycerin, and artificial sweeteners, such assaccharin and aspartame. Suitable emulsifying agents include, but arenot limited to, gelatin, acacia, tragacanth, bentonite, and surfactants,such as polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (TWEEN® 20), polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate 80 (TWEEN® 80), and triethanolamine oleate. Suitablesuspending and dispersing agents include, but are not limited to, sodiumcarboxymethylcellulose, pectin, tragacanth, Veegum, acacia, sodiumcarbomethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, andpolyvinylpyrrolidone. Suitable preservatives include, but are notlimited to, glycerin, methyl and propylparaben, benzoic add, sodiumbenzoate and alcohol. Suitable wetting agents include, but are notlimited to, propylene glycol monostearate, sorbitan monooleate,diethylene glycol monolaurate, and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether.Suitable solvents include, but are not limited to, glycerin, sorbitol,ethyl alcohol, and syrup. Suitable non-aqueous liquids utilized inemulsions include, but are not limited to, mineral oil and cottonseedoil. Suitable organic acids include, but are not limited to, citric andtartaric acid. Suitable sources of carbon dioxide include, but are notlimited to, sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate.

It should be understood that many carriers and excipients may serve aplurality of functions, even within the same formulation.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administrationcan be provided as compressed tablets, tablet triturates, chewablelozenges, rapidly dissolving tablets, multiple compressed tablets, orenteric-coating tablets, sugar-coated, or film-coated tablets.Enteric-coated tablets are compressed tablets coated with substancesthat resist the action of stomach acid but dissolve or disintegrate inthe intestine, thus protecting the active ingredient from the acidicenvironment of the stomach. Enteric-coatings include, but are notlimited to, fatty acids, fats, phenyl salicylate, waxes, shellac,ammoniated shellac, and cellulose acetate phthalates. Sugar-coatedtablets are compressed tablets surrounded by a sugar coating, which maybe beneficial in covering up objectionable tastes or odors and inprotecting the tablets from oxidation. Film-coated tablets arecompressed tablets that are covered with a thin layer or film of awater-soluble material. Film coatings include, but are not limited to,hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, polyethyleneglycol 4000, and cellulose acetate phthalate. Film coating imparts thesame general characteristics as sugar coating. Multiple compressedtablets are compressed tablets made by more than one compression cycle,including layered tablets, and press-coated or dry-coated tablets.

The tablet dosage forms can be prepared from the active ingredient inpowdered, crystalline, or granular forms, alone or in combination withone or more carriers or excipients described herein, including binders,disintegrants, controlled-release polymers, lubricants, diluents, and/orcolorants. Flavoring and sweetening agents are especially useful in theformation of chewable tablets and lozenges.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administrationcan be provided as soft or hard capsules, which can be made fromgelatin, methylcellulose, starch, or calcium alginate. The hard gelatincapsule, also known as the dry-filled capsule (DFC), consists of twosections, one slipping over the other, thus completely enclosing theactive ingredient. The soft elastic capsule (SEC) is a soft, globularshell, such as a gelatin shell, which is plasticized by the addition ofglycerin, sorbitol, or a similar polyol. The soft gelatin shells maycontain a preservative to prevent the growth of microorganisms. Suitablepreservatives are those as described herein, including methyl- andpropyl-parabens, and sorbic acid. The liquid, semisolid, and soliddosage forms provided herein may be encapsulated in a capsule. Suitableliquid and semisolid dosage forms include solutions and suspensions inpropylene carbonate, vegetable oils, or triglycerides. The capsules mayalso be coated as known by those of skill in the art in order to modifyor sustain dissolution of the active ingredient.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administrationcan be provided in liquid and semisolid dosage forms, includingemulsions, solutions, suspensions, elixirs, and syrups. An emulsion is atwo-phase system, in which one liquid is dispersed in the form of smallglobules throughout another liquid, which can be oil-in-water orwater-in-oil. Emulsions may include a pharmaceutically acceptablenon-aqueous liquid or solvent, emulsifying agent, and preservative.Suspensions may include a pharmaceutically acceptable suspending agentand preservative. Aqueous alcoholic solutions may include apharmaceutically acceptable acetal, such as a di(lower alkyl) acetal ofa lower alkyl aldehyde, e.g., acetaldehyde diethyl acetal; and awater-miscible solvent having one or more hydroxyl groups, such aspropylene glycol and ethanol. Elixirs are clear, sweetened, andhydroalcoholic solutions. Syrups are concentrated aqueous solutions of asugar, for example, sucrose, and may also contain a preservative. For aliquid dosage form, for example, a solution in a polyethylene glycol maybe diluted with a sufficient quantity of a pharmaceutically acceptableliquid carrier, e.g., water, to be measured conveniently foradministration.

Other useful liquid and semisolid dosage forms include, but are notlimited to, those containing the active ingredient(s) provided herein,and a dialkylated mono- or poly-alkylene glycol, including,1,2-dimethoxymethane, diglyme, triglyme, tetraglyme, polyethyleneglycol-350-dimethyl ether, polyethylene glycol-550-dimethyl ether,polyethylene glycol-750-dimethyl ether, wherein 350, 550, and 750 referto the approximate average molecular weight of the polyethylene glycol.These formulations can further comprise one or more antioxidants, suchas butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA),propyl gallate, vitamin E, hydroquinone, hydroxycoumarins, ethanolamine,lecithin, cephalin, ascorbic acid, malic acid, sorbitol, phosphoricacid, bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, thiodipropionic acid and itsesters, and dithiocarbamates.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administrationcan be also provided in the forms of liposomes, micelles, microspheres,or nanosystems.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for oral administrationcan be provided as non-effervescent or effervescent, granules andpowders, to be reconstituted into a liquid dosage form. Pharmaceuticallyacceptable carriers and excipients used in the non-effervescent granulesor powders may include diluents, sweeteners, and wetting agents.Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and excipients used in theeffervescent granules or powders may include organic acids and a sourceof carbon dioxide.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated asa solid oral dosage form. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceuticalcomposition is formulated as a liquid oral dosage form. In certainembodiments, the unit dosage form is provided as a suspension in apharmaceutically acceptable solvent, which includes, but is not limitedto, water, milk, a carbonated beverage, juice, apple sauce, baby food,or baby formula.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions,which comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid and one ormore additional pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. In oneembodiment, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated as granules. Inanother embodiment, the one or more excipients are selected from thegroup consisting of polydextrose, mannitol, poloxamer, polyethyleneglycol, hydroxyethyl cellulose, crospovidone, artificial vanilla flavor,and magnesium stearate.

Additionally provided herein are pharmaceutical composition comprisingabout 25% by weight of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid; about 1% byweight of colloidal silicon dioxide; and one or more additionalpharmaceutically acceptable excipients. In one embodiment, thepharmaceutical composition is formulated as granules. In anotherembodiment, the one or more excipients are selected from the groupconsisting of polydextose, mannitol, poloxamer, polyethylene glycol,hydroxyethyl cellulose, crospovidone, artificial vanilla flavor, andmagnesium stearate.

Further provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising about25% by weight of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid, about 25.65%by weight of polydextose, about 26.4% by weight of mannitol, about 3.7%by weight of poloxamer, about 10% by weight of polyethylene glycol,about 1.5% by weight of hydroxyethyl cellulose, about 5% by weight ofcrospovidone, about 0.75% by weight of artificial vanilla flavor, about1% by weight of colloidal silicon dioxide, and about 1% by weight ofmagnesium stearate. In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical composition isformulated as granules.

Further provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, comprisingabout 130 mg of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid, about 133.38mg of polydextose, about 137.28 mg of mannitol, about 19.24 mg ofpoloxamer, about 52 mg of polyethylene glycol, about 7.8 mg ofhydroxyethyl cellulose, about 26 mg of crospovidone, about 3.9 mg ofartificial vanilla flavor, about 5.2 mg of colloidal silicon dioxide,and about 5.2 mg of magnesium stearate. In one embodiment, thepharmaceutical composition is formulated as granules.

Further provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, comprisingabout 205 mg of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid, about 210.33mg of polydextose, about 216.48 mg of mannitol, about 30.34 mg ofpoloxamer, about 82 mg of polyethylene glycol, about 12.3 mg ofhydroxyethyl cellulose, about 41 mg of crospovidone, about 6.15 mg ofartificial vanilla flavor, about 8.2 mg of colloidal silicon dioxide,and about 8.2 mg of magnesium stearate. In one embodiment, thepharmaceutical composition is formulated as granules.

Further provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, comprisingabout 330 mg of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid, about 338.58mg of polydextose, about 348.48 mg of mannitol, about 48.84 mg ofpoloxamer, about 132 mg of polyethylene glycol, about 19.8 mg ofhydroxyethyl cellulose, about 66 mg of crospovidone, about 9.9 mg ofartificial vanilla flavor, about 13.2 mg of colloidal silicon dioxide,and about 13.2 mg of magnesium stearate. In one embodiment, thepharmaceutical composition is formulated as granules.

Further provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, comprisingabout 405 mg of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid, about 415.53mg of polydextose, about 427.68 mg of mannitol, about 59.94 mg ofpoloxamer, about 162 mg of polyethylene glycol, about 24.3 mg ofhydroxyethyl cellulose, about 81 mg of crospovidone, about 12.15 mg ofartificial vanilla flavor, about 16.2 mg of colloidal silicon dioxide,and about 16.2 mg of magnesium stearate. In one embodiment, thepharmaceutical composition is formulated as granules.

Further provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions, comprisingabout 505 mg of a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]-benzoic acid, about 518.13mg of polydextose, about 4533.28 mg of mannitol, about 74.74 mg ofpoloxamer, about 202 mg of polyethylene glycol, about 30.3 mg ofhydroxyethyl cellulose, about 101 mg of crospovidone, about 15.15 mg ofartificial vanilla flavor, about 20.2 mg of colloidal silicon dioxide,and about 20.2 mg of magnesium stearate. In one embodiment, thepharmaceutical composition is formulated as granules.

In certain embodiments, the unit dosage form comprises from about 35 toabout 1,400, from about 125 to about 1,000, from about 250 to about1,000, or from about 500 to about 1,000 mg of Compound 1.

In certain embodiments, the unit dosage form comprises about 35, about50, about 70, about 100, about 125, about 140, about 175, about 200,about 250, about 280, about 350, about 500, about 560, about 700, about750, about 1,000, or about 1,400 mg of Compound 1.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition provided hereinis formulated as granules. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceuticalcomposition provided herein is packaged in a packet. In certainembodiments, the pharmaceutical composition provided herein is packagedin a heat-sealed laminated aluminum packet. In certain embodiments, thepharmaceutical composition provided herein is packaged in achild-resistant packet. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceuticalcomposition provided herein is packaged in a packet, which compriseslayers of polyethylene terephthalate, polyethelyene, aluminum foil,adhesive, and sealing film. In certain embodiments, the pharmaceuticalcomposition provided herein is packaged in a bottle, including, but notlimited to, high density polyethylene (HDPE) bottles.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition provided hereinis formulated as granules for reconstitution. In certain embodiments,the pharmaceutical composition provided herein is formulated as granulesfor reconstitution as oral suspension.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition provided hereinis reconstituted before administration with a pharmaceuticallyacceptable solvent, which includes, but is not limited to, water, milk,a carbonated beverage, juice, fruit juice, fruit punch, apple sauce,baby food, or baby formula; or a semi-solid fluid, including, but notlimited to semi-solid dairy, yogurt, pudding, apple sauce, soy, fruit,and grain based products.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition provided hereinis reconstituted before administration with water. In one embodiment,reconstitution of a 250 mg unit dosage formulation Compound 1 is carriedout by the addition of about 10 mL of water directly in a bottlecontaining Compound 1 to achieve a concentration of about 25 mg/mL inthe total volume of suspension.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable salt is amagnesium salt, a potassium salt, a sodium salt, a tromethamine salt, anL-lysine salt, an L-arginine salt, an N-methyl glucamine salt or anL-histidine salt.

5.4.3. Parenteral Formulations and Administration

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein comprising Compound 1can be administered parenterally by injection, infusion, orimplantation, for local or systemic administration. Parenteraladministration, as used herein, include intravenous, intraarterial,intraperitoneal, intrathecal, intraventricular, intraurethral,intrasternal, intracranial, intramuscular, intrasynovial, intravesical,and subcutaneous administration.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for parenteraladministration can be formulated in any dosage forms that are suitablefor parenteral administration, including solutions, suspensions,emulsions, micelles, liposomes, microspheres, nanosystems, and solidforms suitable for solutions or suspensions in liquid prior toinjection. Such dosage forms can be prepared according to conventionalmethods known to those skilled in the art of pharmaceutical science(see, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, supra).

The pharmaceutical compositions intended for parenteral administrationcan include one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers andexcipients, including, but not limited to, aqueous vehicles,water-miscible vehicles, non-aqueous vehicles, antimicrobial agents orpreservatives against the growth of microorganisms, stabilizers,solubility enhancers, isotonic agents, buffering agents, antioxidants,local anesthetics, suspending and dispersing agents, wetting oremulsifying agents, complexing agents, sequestering or chelating agents,cryoprotectants, lyoprotectants, thickening agents, pH adjusting agents,and inert gases.

Suitable aqueous vehicles include, but are not limited to, water,saline, physiological saline or phosphate buffered saline (PBS), sodiumchloride injection, Ringers injection, isotonic dextrose injection,sterile water injection, dextrose and lactated Ringers injection.Suitable non-aqueous vehicles include, but are not limited to, fixedoils of vegetable origin, castor oil, corn oil, cottonseed oil, oliveoil, peanut oil, peppermint oil, safflower oil, sesame oil, soybean oil,hydrogenated vegetable oils, hydrogenated soybean oil, and medium-chaintriglycerides of coconut oil, and palm seed oil. Suitable water-misciblevehicles include, but are not limited to, ethanol, 1,3-butanediol,liquid polyethylene glycol (e.g., polyethylene glycol 300 andpolyethylene glycol 400), propylene glycol, glycerin,N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N,N-dimethylacetamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide.

Suitable antimicrobial agents or preservatives include, but are notlimited to, phenols, cresols, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, methyl andpropyl p-hydroxybenzoates, benzalkonium chloride (e.g., benzethoniumchloride), disodium EDTA, polyquarternium-1, polyhexamethylenebiguanide, methyl- and propyl-parabens, and sorbic acid. Suitableisotonic agents include, but are not limited to, sodium chloride, boricacid, mannitol, sorbitol, trehalose, glycerin, and dextrose. Suitablebuffering agents include, but are not limited to, borate, phosphate andcitrate. Suitable antioxidants are those as described herein, includingbisulfite and sodium metabisulfite. Suitable suspending and dispersingagents are those as described herein, including sodiumcarboxymethylcelluose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, andpolyvinylpyrrolidone. Suitable emulsifying agents are those describedherein, including polyoxyethylene sorbitan monolaurate, polyoxyethylenesorbitan monooleate 80, and triethanolamine oleate. Suitablesequestering or chelating agents include, but are not limited to EDTA.Suitable pH adjusting agents include, but are not limited to, sodiumhydroxide, hydrochloric acid, citric acid, and lactic acid. Suitablecomplexing agents include, but are not limited to, DEAE-C, DEAE-D orcyclodextrins, including α-cyclodextrin, β-cyclodextrin,hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin, andsulfobutylether 7-β-cyclodextrin (CAPTISOL®, CyDex, Lenexa, Kans.).

When the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are formulated formultiple dosage administration, the multiple dosage parenteralformulations must contain an antimicrobial agent at bacteriostatic orfungistatic concentrations. All parenteral formulations must be sterile,as known and practiced in the art.

In one embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions for parenteraladministration are provided as ready-to-use sterile solutions. Inanother embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are provided assterile dry soluble products, including lyophilized powders andhypodermic tablets, to be reconstituted with a vehicle prior to use. Inyet another embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are provided asready-to-use sterile suspensions. In yet another embodiment, thepharmaceutical compositions are provided as sterile dry insolubleproducts to be reconstituted with a vehicle prior to use. In stillanother embodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions are provided asready-to-use sterile emulsions.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for parenteraladministration can be formulated as immediate or modified release dosageforms, including delayed-, sustained, pulsed-, controlled, targeted-,and programmed-release forms.

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein for parenteraladministration can be formulated as a suspension, solid, semi-solid, orthixotropic liquid, for administration as an implanted depot. In oneembodiment, the pharmaceutical compositions provided herein aredispersed in a solid inner matrix, which is surrounded by an outerpolymeric membrane that is insoluble in body fluids but allows theactive ingredient in the pharmaceutical compositions diffuse through.

Suitable inner matrixes include, but are not limited to,polymethylmethacrylate, polybutyl-methacrylate, plasticized orunplasticized polyvinylchloride, plasticized nylon, plasticizedpolyethylene terephthalate, natural rubber, polyisoprene,polyisobutylene, polybutadiene, polyethylene, ethylene-vinyl acetatecopolymers, silicone rubbers, polydimethylsiloxanes, silicone carbonatecopolymers, hydrophilic polymers, such as hydrogels of esters of acrylicand methacrylic acid, collagen, cross-linked polyvinyl alcohol, andcross-linked partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl acetate.

Suitable outer polymeric membranes include but are not limited to,polyethylene, polypropylene, ethylene/propylene copolymers,ethylene/ethyl acrylate copolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers,silicone rubbers, polydimethyl siloxanes, neoprene rubber, chlorinatedpolyethylene, polyvinylchloride, vinyl chloride copolymers with vinylacetate, vinylidene chloride, ethylene and propylene, ionomerpolyethylene terephthalate, butyl rubber epichlorohydrin rubbers,ethylene/vinyl alcohol copolymer, ethylene/vinyl acetate/vinyl alcoholterpolymer, and ethylene/vinyloxyethanol copolymer.

5.4.4. Particle Size

Provided herein are forms of Compound 1 having a volume weighted meandiameter D(4,3) of from about 2 μm to about 12 μm. Also provided hereinare forms of Compound 1 having a surface weighted mean diameter D(3,2)of from about 1 μm to about 3 μm. Further provided herein are forms ofCompound 1 having a D₉₀ particle size in the range of from about 5 μm toabout 26 μm, having a D₅₀ particle size in the range of from about 1 μmto about 6 μm, having a D₁₀ particle size in the range of from about 0.1μm to about 1.5 μm.

5.4.5. Kits

The pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be provided as anarticle of manufacture using packaging materials well known to those ofskill in the art. Examples of pharmaceutical packaging materialsinclude, but are not limited to, blister packs, bottles, tubes,inhalers, pumps, bags, vials, containers, syringes, eye droppers, andany packaging material suitable for a selected formulation and intendedmode of administration and treatment.

Provided herein are kits which, when used by the medical practitioner,can simplify the administration of appropriate amounts of the activeingredient to a subject. In certain embodiments, the kit provided hereinincludes a container and a dosage form of a pharmaceutical formulationprovided herein.

In certain embodiments, the kit includes a container comprising a dosageform of the pharmaceutical formulation provided herein, in a containercomprising one or more other therapeutic agent(s) described herein.

Kits provided herein can further include devices that are used toadminister the active ingredient. Examples of such devices include, butare not limited to, syringes, needle-less injectors drip bags, patches,eye droppers and inhalers.

Kits provided herein can further include pharmaceutically acceptablevehicles that can be used to administer the active ingredient. Forexample, if the active ingredient is provided in a solid form that mustbe reconstituted for parenteral administration, the kit can comprise asealed container of a suitable vehicle in which the active ingredientcan be dissolved to form a particulate-free sterile solution that issuitable for parenteral administration or can be reconstituted as asuspension for oral administration. Examples of pharmaceuticallyacceptable vehicles include, but are not limited to: aqueous vehicles,including, but not limited to, Water for Injection USP, Sodium ChlorideInjection, Ringer's Injection, Dextrose Injection, Dextrose and SodiumChloride Injection, and Lactated Ringer's Injection; water-misciblevehicles, including, but not limited to, ethyl alcohol, polyethyleneglycol, and polypropylene glycol; and non-aqueous vehicles, including,but not limited to, corn oil, cottonseed oil, peanut oil, sesame oil,ethyl oleate, isopropyl myristate, and benzyl benzoate.

5.5. Methods of Use

Provided herein are methods for treating, preventing, or managing adisease ameliorated by modulation of premature translation terminationor nonsense-mediated mRNA decay, comprising administering to a patienthaving a disease ameliorated by modulation of premature translationtermination or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay an effective amount of apharmaceutical composition provided herein or an effective amount of asalt of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acidprovided herein.

Further provided herein are methods for treating, preventing, ormanaging a disease associated with a nonsense mutation, comprisingadministering to a patient having a disease associated with a nonsensemutation an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition providedherein or an effective amount of a salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein.

Further provided herein are methods for treating, preventing, ormanaging a disease associated with a premature stop codon, comprisingadministering to a patient having a disease associated with a prematurestop codon an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition providedherein or an effective amount of a salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for the treatment,prevention or management of any disease that is associated with a geneexhibiting premature translation termination and/or nonsense-mediatedmRNA decay. In one embodiment, the disease is due, in part, to the lackof expression of the gene resulting from a premature stop codon.Examples of genes which may exhibit premature translation terminationand/or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay and diseases associated withpremature translation termination and/or nonsense-mediated mRNA decayare found in U.S. Patent Application No. 60/390,747, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In certain embodiments, provided herein are methods for the prenataltreatment, prevention or management of a disease associated with anonsense mutation in a gene in an embryo or fetus who has or ispredisposed or susceptible to a disease associated with a nonsensemutation in a gene, such as those described herein. In one embodiment, apregnant female is administered a pharmaceutical composition providedherein, via whom the active ingredient passes through the placenta ofthe pregnant female to the embryo or fetus. In certain embodiments, apharmaceutical compositions provided herein is administered orally orparenterally to the pregnant female.

Ocular diseases or disorders associated with premature translationtermination and/or nonsense-mediated mRNA decay or ameliorated by thesuppression thereof include, but are not limited to: aniridia,choroideremia, renal-coloboma syndrome, Lebers congenital amaurosis,retinitis pigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, or Usher syndrome.

Further provided herein are methods for producing in a subject (such asa human) in need thereof an effective amount of a functionalread-through protein(s) encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising anonsense mutation, the methods comprising administering to the subjectan effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition provided herein oran effective amount of a salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein. In a specific embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence is a geneassociated with an ocular condition. In certain embodiments, the ocularcondition is aniridia, choroideremia, renal-coloboma syndrome, Leberscongenital amaurosis, retinitis pigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl syndrome,glaucoma, foveal hypoplasia, cataracts, Usher syndrome, central auditoryprocessing difficulties, chorioretinal degeneration, congenital lensopacities, elevated intraocular pressure, exudative vascularretinopathy, glaucoma, iris hypoplasia, keratopathy (cornealdegeneration), optic nerve hypoplasia, retinal detachment, secondarystrabismus or tunica vasculosa lentis. In another specific embodiment,the ocular condition is Usher syndrome type 2A. In some embodiments, thenucleic acid sequence is the PAX6 gene, REP1 gene, CHD7 gene, PAX2 gene,or BBS2 gene. The production of a functional read-through protein(s) maybe assessed by an in vitro assay and/or in an animal model. For example,compounds that suppress premature translation termination and/ornonsense-mediated mRNA decay can be identified using techniques known tothose of skill in the art. See, e.g., U.S. Publication No. 2005/0233327,published Oct. 20, 2005, entitled “Methods for Identifying SmallMolecules that Modulate Premature Translation Termination and NonsenseMediated mRNA Decay”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,458,538 entitled “Methods ofAssaying for Compounds that Inhibit Premature Translation Terminationand Nonsense Mediated RNA Decay”; U.S. Publication No. 2003/0008317,published Jan. 9, 2003, entitled “Methods of Assaying for Compounds thatInhibit Premature Translation Termination and Nonsense Mediated RNADecay”; and International Application Publication No. WO 2004/010106entitled “Methods of Assaying for Compounds that Inhibit PrematureTranslation Termination and Nonsense Mediated RNA Decay,” each of whichis incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In particular,cell-based and cell-free assays can be used for the identification of acompound that suppresses premature translation termination and/ornonsense-mediated mRNA decay.

In certain embodiments, diseases to be treated, prevented or managed bythe methods provided herein include ocular conditions associated with anonsense mutation in a gene(s), the methods comprising administering toa subject in need thereof an effective amount of a pharmaceuticalcomposition provided herein or an effective amount of a salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein. In a specific embodiment, the ocular condition associated with anonsense mutation in a gene(s) is aniridia, choroideremia,renal-coloboma syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitispigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, glaucoma, foveal hypoplasia,cataracts, Usher syndrome, central auditory processing difficulties,chorioretinal degeneration, congenital lens opacities, elevatedintraocular pressure, exudative vascular retinopathy, glaucoma, irishypoplasia, keratopathy (corneal degeneration), optic nerve hypoplasia,retinal detachment, secondary strabismus or tunica vasculosa lentis. Inanother specific embodiment, the ocular condition associated with anonsense mutation in a gene(s) is Usher syndrome type 2A.

In a specific embodiment, the ocular condition prevented and/or treatedin accordance with the methods is an ocular condition associated with anonsense mutation(s). Examples of ocular conditions that may beprevented and/or treated in accordance with the methods includeaniridia, choroideremia, renal-coloboma syndrome, Leber congenitalamaurosis, retinitis pigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, glaucoma, fovealhypoplasia, cataracts, Usher syndrome, central auditory processingdifficulties, chorioretinal degeneration, congenital lens opacities,elevated intraocular pressure, exudative vascular retinopathy, glaucoma,iris hypoplasia, keratopathy (corneal degeneration), optic nervehypoplasia, retinal detachment, secondary strabismus and tunicavasculosa lentis. In a specific embodiment, the Usher syndrome is Ushersyndrome type 2A.

In certain embodiments, the disease to be treated, prevented or managedby the methods provided herein is aniridia. In certain embodiments, apharmaceutical composition or active agent described herein is used incombination with another therapy to treat aniridia. In a specificembodiment, the therapy used in addition to a pharmaceutical compositionor active agent described herein is a miotic, a beta-blocker, asympathomimetic, a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, or a prostaglandinanalogue. In specific embodiment, treating aniridia with apharmaceutical composition or active agent described herein results inone, two or more of the following effects: (i) reduces or amelioratesthe severity of aniridia; (ii) delays onset of aniridia; (iii) inhibitsthe progression of aniridia; (iv) reduces hospitalization of a subject;(v) reduces hospitalization length for a subject; (vi) improves thequality of life of a subject; (vii) reduces the number of symptomsassociated with aniridia; (viii) reduces or ameliorates the severity ofa symptom(s) associated with aniridia; (ix) reduces the duration of asymptom associated with aniridia; (x) prevents the recurrence of asymptom associated with aniridia; (xi) inhibits the development or onsetof a symptom of aniridia; and/or (xii) inhibits of the progression of asymptom associated with aniridia. Symptoms of aniridia include albinism,ectopia lentis, spontaneous lens dislocation, arcus juvenilis,keratoconus; cataracts, glaucoma, nystagmus, strabismus, optic nervehypoplasia, blindness, opaque corenea, vision impairment, and absence orpartial absence of an iris. An animal model useful for determining theeffectiveness of an agent for treatment of aniridia associated with anonsense mutation is that described in Hill, R., et al., 1991, “MouseSmall eye results from mutations in a paired-like homeobox-containinggene,” Nature 354(6354):522-525 and Gregory-Evans, C., et al., Postnatamanipulation of Pax6 dosage reverses congenital tissue malformationdefects,” J. Clin. Invest. Doi:10.1172/JCI70462, both of which areincorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

In one embodiment, the aniridia is familial aniridia. In anotherembodiment, the aniridia is sporadic aniridia.

In one embodiment, the aniridia is a symptom associated with WAGR (Wilmstumor-aniridia-genital anomalies-retardation) syndrome or Gillespiesyndrome.

In certain embodiments, the disease to be treated, prevented or managedby the methods provided herein is choroideremia. In certain embodiments,a pharmaceutical composition or active agent described herein is used incombination with another therapy to treat choroideremia. In specificembodiment, treating choroideremia with a pharmaceutical composition oractive agent described herein results in one, two or more of thefollowing effects: (i) reduces or ameliorates the severity ofchoroideremia; (ii) delays onset of choroideremia; (iii) inhibits theprogression of choroideremia; (iv) reduces hospitalization of a subject;(v) reduces hospitalization length for a subject; (vi) improves thequality of life of a subject; (vii) reduces the number of symptomsassociated with choroideremia; (viii) reduces or ameliorates theseverity of a symptom(s) associated with choroideremia; (ix) reduces theduration of a symptom associated with choroideremia; (x) prevents therecurrence of a symptom associated with choroideremia; (xi) inhibits thedevelopment or onset of a symptom of choroideremia; and/or (xii)inhibits of the progression of a symptom associated with choroideremia.Symptoms of choroideremia include night blindness, loss of peripheralvision, and loss of central vision.

In certain embodiments, the disease to be treated, prevented or managedby the methods provided herein is renal-coloboma syndrome. In certainembodiments, a pharmaceutical composition or active agent describedherein is used in combination with another therapy to treatrenal-coloboma syndrome. In specific embodiment, treating renal-colobomasyndrome with a pharmaceutical composition or active agent describedherein results in one, two or more of the following effects: (i) reducesor ameliorates the severity of renal-coloboma syndrome; (ii) delaysonset of renal-coloboma syndrome; (iii) inhibits the progression ofrenal-coloboma syndrome; (iv) reduces hospitalization of a subject; (v)reduces hospitalization length for a subject; (vi) improves the qualityof life of a subject; (vii) reduces the number of symptoms associatedwith renal-coloboma syndrome; (viii) reduces or ameliorates the severityof a symptom(s) associated with renal-coloboma syndrome; (ix) reducesthe duration of a symptom associated with choroideremia; (x) preventsthe recurrence of a symptom associated with renal-coloboma syndrome;(xi) inhibits the development or onset of a symptom of choroideremia;and/or (xii) inhibits of the progression of a symptom associated withrenal-coloboma syndrome. Symptoms associated with renal-colobomasyndrome include dysplasia of the optic nerve, scleral staphyloma,retinal thinning, myopia, and optic nerve cysts.

In certain embodiments, the disease to be treated, prevented or managedby the methods provided herein is retinitis pigmentosa. In certainembodiments, a pharmaceutical composition or active agent describedherein is used in combination with another therapy to treat retinitispigmentosa. In specific embodiment, treating retinitis pigmentosa with apharmaceutical composition or active agent described herein results inone, two or more of the following effects: (i) reduces or amelioratesthe severity of retinitis pigmentosa; (ii) delays onset of retinitispigmentosa; (iii) inhibits the progression of retinitis pigmentosa; (iv)improves the quality of life of a subject; (v) reduces the number ofsymptoms associated with retinitis pigmentosa; (vi) reduces orameliorates the severity of a symptom(s) associated with retinitispigmentosa; (vii) reduces the duration of a symptom associated withretinitis pigmentosa; (viii) prevents the recurrence of a symptomassociated with retinitis pigmentosa; (ix) inhibits the development oronset of a symptom of retinitis pigmentosa; and/or (x) inhibits of theprogression of a symptom associated with retinitis pigmentosa. Symptomsassociated with retinitis pigmentosa include rod degeneration, loss ofnight vision, tunnel vision, and blindness.

In certain embodiments, the disease to be treated, prevented or managedby the methods provided herein is Bardet-Biedl syndrome. In certainembodiments, a pharmaceutical composition or active agent describedherein is used in combination with another therapy to treat Bardet-Biedlsyndrome. In specific embodiment, treating Bardet-Biedl syndrome with apharmaceutical composition or active agent described herein results inone, two or more of the following effects: (i) reduces or amelioratesthe severity of Bardet-Biedl syndrome; (ii) delays onset of Bardet-Biedlsyndrome; (iii) inhibits the progression of Bardet-Biedl syndrome; (iv)improves the quality of life of a subject; (v) reduces the number ofsymptoms associated with Bardet-Biedl syndrome; (vi) reduces orameliorates the severity of a symptom(s) associated with retinitispigmentosa; (vii) reduces the duration of a symptom associated withBardet-Biedl syndrome; (viii) prevents the recurrence of a symptomassociated with Bardet-Biedl syndrome; (ix) inhibits the development oronset of a symptom of Bardet-Biedl syndrome; and/or (x) inhibits of theprogression of a symptom associated with Bardet-Biedl syndrome. Symptomsassociated with Bardet-Biedl syndrome include rod-cone dystrophy, visualloss, and night blindness.

In certain embodiments, the disease to be treated, prevented or managedby the methods provided herein is Usher syndrome. In certainembodiments, a pharmaceutical composition or active agent describedherein is used in combination with another therapy to treat Ushersyndrome. In specific embodiment, treating Usher syndrome with apharmaceutical composition or active agent described herein results inone, two or more of the following effects: (i) reduces or amelioratesthe severity of Usher syndrome; (ii) delays onset of Usher syndrome;(iii) inhibits the progression of Usher syndrome; (iv) improves thequality of life of a subject; (v) reduces the number of symptomsassociated with Usher syndrome; (vi) reduces or ameliorates the severityof a symptom(s) associated with Usher; (vii) reduces the duration of asymptom associated with Usher syndrome; (viii) prevents the recurrenceof a symptom associated with Usher syndrome; (ix) inhibits thedevelopment or onset of a symptom of Usher syndrome; and/or (x) inhibitsof the progression of a symptom associated with Usher syndrome. Symptomsassociated with Usher syndrome include decreased night vision. In aspecific embodiment, the Usher syndrome is Usher syndrome type 2A.

In certain embodiments, the methods provided herein comprise theprenatal systemic administration of a pharmaceutical compositionprovided herein or a salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein in three doses in a 24 hour period according to the formula: 1X,1X, 2X, where X is a particular initial dose (e.g., 4 mg/kg, 7 mg/kg, 10mg/kg or 20 mg/kg) of the active agent. In a specific embodiment, apharmaceutical composition provided herein or a salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein is continuously administered three times per 24 hour period atdoses of about 2 mg/kg to about 6 mg/kg (e.g., 4 mg/kg), about about 2mg/kg to about 6 mg/kg (e.g., 4 mg/kg) and about 6 mg/kg to about 10mg/kg (e.g., 8 mg/kg) of the active agent for days, weeks, months oryears. In another specific embodiment, a pharmaceutical compositionprovided herein or a salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein is continuously administered three times per 24 hour period atdoses of about 5 mg/kg to about 9 mg/kg (e.g., 7 mg/kg), about 5 mg/kgto about 9 mg/kg (e.g., 7 mg/kg) and 12 mg/kg to about 16 mg/kg (e.g.,14 mg/kg) of the active agent for weeks, months or years. In a specificembodiment, a pharmaceutical composition provided herein or a salt of3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid providedherein is continuously administered three times per 24 hour period atdoses of about 8 mg/kg to about 12 mg/kg (e.g., 10 mg/kg), about 8 mg/kgto about 12 mg/kg (e.g., 10 mg/kg) and about 18 mg/kg to about 22 mg/kg(e.g., 20 mg/kg) of the active agent for days, weeks, months or years.In a specific embodiment, a pharmaceutical composition provided hereinor a salt of 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acidprovided herein is continuously administered three times per 24 hourperiod at doses of about 18 mg/kg to about 22 mg/kg (e.g., 20 mg/kg),about 18 mg/kg to about 22 mg/kg (e.g., 20 mg/kg) and about 38 mg/kg toabout 42 mg/kg (e.g., 40 mg/kg) of the active agent for days, weeks,months or years. In each 24 hour period that the active agent isadministered, it is preferably administered three times at approximately6-, 6, and 12-hour intervals (e.g., at ˜7:00 AM after breakfast, ˜1:00PM after lunch, and at ˜7:00 PM after supper). Continuous prenataltherapy is preferably used for the treatment, prevention or managementof an ocular disease.

In certain embodiment, the methods provided herein comprise maintaininga plasma concentration of Compound 1 of greater than: about 0.1 μg/mL,about 0.5 μg/mL, about 2 μg/mL, about 5 μg/mL, about 10 μg/mL, about 20μg/mL, about 25 μg/mL, about 40 μg/mL, about 50 μg/mL, about 100 μg/mL,about 150 μg/mL, about 200 μg/mL, about 250 μg/mL or about 500 μg/mL ina patient for at least about 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 8, 12 or 24hours or longer. Levels of Compound 1 in plasma can be measured, forexample, by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

In another embodiment, the methods provided herein comprise maintaininga plasma concentration of Compound 1 of about 0.1 μg/mL to about 500μg/mL, about 2 μg/mL to about 40 μg/mL, about 2 μg/mL to about 20 μg/mL,about 2 μg/mL to about 10 μg/mL or about 10 μg/mL to about 20 μg/mL in apatient for at least about 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 8, 12 or 24hours or longer.

It will be understood that the amounts of a pharmaceutical compositionor active agent administered to a patient in need thereof are or can becalculated based upon the actual weight of the patient in question orthe average weight of the patient population in question (e.g., whitemales, white females, African American males, African American females,Asian males or Asian females, including adults and children).

6. EXAMPLES

The following examples are offered by way of illustration and notlimitation. The following abbreviations are used in descriptions andexamples:

Abbreviation Meaning 2-PrOH 2-propanol ACN acetonitrile DCMdichloromethane DVS Dynamic Vapor Sorption EMA elemental analysis EtOAcethyl acetate EtOH ethanol FaSSIF Fasted-State Simulated IntestinalFluid FeSSIF Fed-State Simulated Intestinal Fluid FT-RamanFourier-Transform Raman spectroscopy HCl hydrochloride HPLC HighPerformance Liquid Chromatography NaOH sodium hydroxide SIF SimulatedIntestinal Fluid TBME tert-butyl methyl ether NMR Nuclear MagneticResonance RH/r.h. Relative Humidity THF tetrahydrofuran PXRD PowderX-Ray Diffraction

6.1. Salt/Co-Crystal Formers

Based on the solubility, pKa and chemical structure of Compound 1, thesalt/co-crystal formers listed below Table 1 were jointly selected forsalt preparation.

TABLE 1 Salt/Co-Crystal Formers Salt/Co-crystal Formers Abbr SourceFormula Mw (g/mol) L-arginine ARG Fluka C₆H₁₄N₄O₂ 174.2 histidine HISFluka C₆H₉N₃O₂ 155.16 L-lysine LYS Fluka C₆H₁₄N₂O₂ 146.19 magnesiummethoxide Mg Fluka C₂H₆MgO₂ 86.38 potassium hydroxide K Fluka KOH 56.11tromethamine TRO ABCR NaOH 40

6.2. Overview on Characterization of Selected Salts/Co-Crystals

Table 2: Characterization of Selected Salts/Co-Crystals (the term Salt #refers to the formation of a first or second salt of the type indicated)

TABLE 2 Aqueous Salt # solubility¹⁾ Hygroscopicity²⁾ Crystallinity³⁾Hydrate formation Remarks Potassium 1 57 +7.81 + likely (EMA, DVS)mono-salt (hygroscopic) Sodium 1 22 +19.52 (very ++ likely (EMA, DVS⁴⁾)mono-salt hygroscopic) Tromethane 1 18 +3.59 +++ inconclusiveinconclusive (hygroscopic) L-lysine 1 15 +1.15 (slightly +++ not foundmono-salt hygroscopic) Magnesium 2 0.44 +13.10 ++ likely (EMA, DVS)hemi-salt (hygroscopic) ¹⁾values given in mg/mL ²⁾mass change in wt % inthe range 0→85% r.h. ³⁾crystallinity estimated from PXRD: +++ = high, ++= good, + low ⁴⁾strong indication for several hydrates

6.3. Evaporation Experiments

Stock solutions of the free acid and of each salt/co-crystal former wereprepared in the selected solvents (see Table 3, where concentration isshown in mol/L and the term “N/A” indicates that a particular stocksolution was not prepared). In addition to those listed in Table 3,stock solutions of L-arginine, L-histidine, L-lysine, potassiumhydroxide and sodium hydroxide solvated in water were each also preparedto a concentration of 0.050 mol/L.

Crystallization was performed by evaporation of the solvents under N₂flow (˜0.4 L/min) at room temperature. The resulting solids wereexamined by visual inspection and Raman microscopy.

TABLE 3 Form Acetone EtOH THF MeOH MeOH/CH₂Cl₂ Cpd 1 free acid 0.0500.004 0.050 N/A 0.011 magnesium 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 N/A methoxidetromethamine 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.050 N/A

6.4. Slurry Experiment

A second set of solvents was selected for phase equilibration (slurry)experiments. 0.05 mL solvent was added to the residues of theevaporation experiments. The MTP's were shaken at r.t. on an EppendorfThermo-Mixer for three days. The solvents were removed under N₂ flow(˜0.4 L/min; 2 days) at room temperature. The resulting solids wereexamined by visual inspection and Raman microscopy.

6.5. Crystallization Experiments

Unless otherwise specified, all experiments shown in Table 4 werecarried out under ambient laboratory conditions. Fluka, Aldrich or ABCRanalytical grade solvents were used. All solvents (except water) weredried over molecular sieve with pore size 3 or 4 Å prior to use.

Test Methods:

Method Analytical Tests Conducted 1 Raman; FT-Raman; PXRD; ¹H-NMR(DMSO-d₆) 2 FT-Raman; PXRD; ¹H-NMR (DMSO-d₆) 3 FT-Raman; PXRD; ¹H-NMR(DMSO-d₆); DVS; Aqueous solubility 4 FT-Raman; PXRD; ¹H-NMR (D₂O/CD₃CN)5 FT-Raman; PXRD; ¹H-NMR (D₂O); DVS; Aqueous solubility 6 FT-Raman; PXRD7 FT-Raman

Table 4: Crystallization Experiment Details

TABLE 4 Form Method Description and Test Results Compound 1 1 Compound 1(2 g) (Form A) Results: Raman: corresponds to free acid; FT-Raman:corresponds to free acid; PXRD: corresponds to Compound 1 (Form A);¹H-NMR: corresponds to free acid Compound 1 6 Compound 1 (154.6 mg) wasdissolved in 1:3 (v/v) MeOH/DCM (Form A) (16 mL); magnesium-methoxide(MgMo) (754 μL, 0.7 mol/L) Magnesium was added; then, solvent wasevaporated under nitrogen flow (80 mL/min) Salt 1 Results: FT-Raman:corresponds to Magnesium Salt 1; PXRD: corresponds to amorphous formCompound 1 3 Compound 1 (152.1 mg) was dissolved in THF (5 mL); aqueous(Form A) potassium hydroxide (1.06 mL, 0.5 mol/L) was added; then,Potassium solvent was evaporated under nitrogen flow (80 mL/min) Salt 1Results: FT-Raman: corresponds to Potassium Salt 1; PXRD: partlycrystalline form; ¹H-NMR: corresponds to Form A, acidic H not detected;DVS: hygroscopic sample, hydrate formation; Aqueous solubility: 57.00mg/mL, pH 9.2 Compound 1 6 Potassium Salt 1 (28.5 mg) was suspended inwater (0.2 mL) and (Form A) sonicated for 5 min; then shaken at 25° C.and centrifuged at 500 rpm Potassium for 20 hours; to the obtained thicksuspension was added Salt 2 water (0.05 mL); the mixture was shaken at25° C. and centrifuged at 500 rpm for 4 hours; then filtered through a0.1 μm PVDF centrifugal filter device (25° C., 15000 rpm, 5 min)Results: FT-Raman: corresponds to Potassium Salt 1; PXRD: corresponds topattern of Potassium Salt 1 Compound 1 3 Compound 1 (153.1 mg) wasdissolved in EtOH (40 mL); a (Form A) solution of aqueous sodiumhydroxide (5.3 mL, 0.1 mol/L) was Sodium Salt 1 added; then solvent wasevaporated under nitrogen flow (80 mL/min) Results: FT-Raman:corresponds to Sodium Salt 1; aqueous solubility determination showsspectrum corresponding to post- DVS Sodium Salt 1, corresponds to newform or mixture of both; PXRD: crystalline sample; ¹H-NMR: correspondsto Form A, acidic H not detected; DVS: hygroscopic sample, hydrateformation; Aqueous solubility: 22.22 mg/mL, pH 8.3 Compound 1 6 SodiumSalt 1 (20.2 mg) was suspended in water (0.2 mL); the (Form A) mixturewas sonicated for 5 min; then shaken at 25° C. and Sodium Salt 2centrifuged at 500 rpm for 1 day; the product was filtered through a 0.1μm PVDF centrifugal filter device (25° C., 15000 rpm, 5 min) Results:FT-Raman: shows either a new form or mixture of forms; PXRD: crystallinesample Compound 1 3 Compound 1 (154.5 mg) was dissolved in acetone (40mL); (Form A) tromethamine (67.5 mg) was added and the mixture wasdissolved Tromethamine in MeOH (4 mL); then, solvent was evaporatedunder nitrogen Salt 1 flow (80 mL/min) Results: FT-Raman: corresponds toTromethamine Salt 4; aqueous solubility spectrum shows impurity;post-DVS spectrum shows additional impurity; PXRD: crystalline sample;¹H- NMR: corresponds to Form A and TRO with impurities; DVS: hygroscopicsample; Aqueous solubility Compound 1 6 Tromethamine Salt 1 (20.3 mg)was suspended in water (0.2 mL); (Form A) the mixture was sonicated for5 min; then shaken at 25° C., and Tromethamine centrifuged at 500 rpmfor 1 day; the product was filtered through Salt 2 a 0.1 μm PVDFcentrifugal filter device (25° C., 15000 rpm, 5 min) Results: FT-Raman:corresponds to Tromethamine Salt 1 with less impurity; PXRD: correspondsto Tromethamine Salt 1 with different orientation Compound 1 5 Compound1 (143.4 mg) was dissolved in THF (5 mL); L-lysine (Form A) L- (LYS)(71.3 mg) dissolved in water (1 mL) was added; the solvent lysine Salt 1was evaporated under nitrogen flow (80 mL/min) Compound 1 6 L-lysineSalt 1 (8.8 mg) was suspended in water (0.1 mL); the (Form A) L- mixturewas sonicated for 5 min; then shaken at 25° C., and lysine Salt 2centrifuged at 500 rpm for 1 day; the product was filtered through a 0.1μm PVDF centrifugal filter device (25° C., 15000 rpm, 5 min) Compound 13 Compound 1 (150.7 mg) was dissolved in THF (5 mL); a solution (Form A)of aqueousmagnesium hydroxide (32.1 mg, 0.7 mol/L) was added; Magnesiumsolvent was partially evaporated under nitrogen flow(80 mL/min); Salt 2the resulting precipitate was dried under vacuum Results: FT-Raman:spectra corresponds to Magnesium Salt 1; PXRD: crystalline form; ¹H-NMR:corresponds to Compound 1 Form A, having a hygroscopic, hydrate formCompound 1 6 Magnesium Salt 2 (33.1 mg) was suspended in water (0.1 mL);(Form A) the mixture was sonicated for 5 min; then shaken at 25° C., andMagnesium centrifuged at 500 rpm for 20 hours; the resulting product wasSalt 3 obtained as a thick suspension; water (0.05 mL) was added; and,the mixture was shaken at 25° C., centrifuged at 500 rpm for 4 hours;then filtered through a 0.1 μm PVDF centrifugal filter device (25° C.,15000 rpm, 5 min) Results: FT-Raman: spectra corresponds to MagnesiumSalt 2; PXRD: corresponds to Magnesium Salt 2 Compound 1 7 Compound 1(150.6 mg) was dissolved in acetone (30 mL); (Form A) tromethamine (62.7mg) dissolved in water (2 mL) was added; the Tromethamine solvent wasevaporated under nitrogen flow (80 mL/min) Salt 3 Results: FT-Raman:corresponds to a nonstoichiometric mixture of tromethamine, Compound 1and the tromethamine salt of Compound 1 Compound 1 6 Compound 1 (148.1mg) was dissolved in THF (5 mL); an (Form A) aqueous solution ofmagnesium hydroxide (31.1 mg) dissolved in Magnesium water (3 mL) wasadded, forming a white precipitate upon mixing; Salt 4 the solvent wasevaporated under nitrogen flow (80 mL/min) Results: PXRD: crystallineform; similar to Magnesium Salt 2 with additional reflections; FT-Raman:spectra similar to Magnesium Salt 2 with additional bands Compound 1 6Compound 1 (151.6 mg) was dissolved in THF (5 mL); (Form A) tromethamine(63.0 mg) dissolved in MeOH (5 mL) was added; Tromethamine the solventwas evaporated under nitrogen flow (80 mL/min) Salt 4 Results: PXRD:similar to the nonstoichiometric mixture of tromethamine, Compound 1 andthe tromethamine salt of Compound 1 with some reflections missing;FT-Raman: corresponds to a nonstoichiometric mixture of tromethamine,Compound 1 and the tromethamine salt of Compound 1 Compound 1 6 Compound1 (155.2 mg) was dissolved in acetone (40 mL); (Form A) tromethamine(63.1 mg) dissolved in MeOH (5 mL) was added; Tromethamine the solventwas evaporated under nitrogen flow (80 mL/min) Salt 5 Results: PXRD:corresponds to a nonstoichiometric mixture of tromethamine, Compound 1and the tromethamine salt of Compound 1; FT-Raman: corresponds to anonstoichiometric mixture of tromethamine, Compound 1 and thetromethamine salt of Compound 1 Compound 1 4 Compound 1 (149.1 mg) wassuspended in EtOH (20 mL); the (Form A) L- mixture was sonicated for 5min; then L-arginine (ARG) (93.5 mg) arginine Salt dissolved in water (2mL) was added to provide a clear solution; the solvent was evaporated tohalf volume under nitrogen flow (80 mL/min); the resulting solid residuewas separated from the remaining solvent Results: FT-Raman: correspondsto L-arginine Salt 1; PXRD: crystalline form; ¹H-NMR: corresponds toCompound 1 and L-arginine Salt Compound 1 6 Compound 1 (150.0 mg)wassuspended in EtOH (20 mL); the (Form A) L- mixture was sonicated for5 min; then L-histidine (HIS) (82.0 mg) histidine dissolved in water (4mL) was added to provide a suspension; the Salt 1 solvent volume wasreduced under nitrogen flow (80 mL/min); the resulting product wasfiltered through a 0.45 μm PVDF centrifugal filter device Results:FT-Raman: the sample was suspended in 2-PrOH (1 mL), the mixture wassonicated for 5 min; then stirred for 5 days; heated to 70° C. for 1hour and slowly cooled to room temperature, resulting spectrumcorresponds to L-histidine Salt 1; PXRD: crystalline form having spectracorresponding to a mixture of Compound 1 and L-histidine Compound 1 7Compound 1 (156.3 mg) was dissolved in THF (5 mL); L- (Form A) L-histidine (HIS) (86.7 mg) was dissolved in water (4 mL) was histidineadded to provide a turbid solution; the mixture was sonicated for 5 min;Salt 2 stirred for 5 days; then filtered through a 0.2 μm PTFEcentrifugal filter device Results: FT-Raman: spectra corresponds toL-histidine with traces of Compound 1 Compound 1 7 Compound 1 (155.4 mg)was suspended in MeOH (1 mL); L- (Form A) L- histidine (86.7 mg)suspended in water (2 mL) was added to histidine provide a turbidsolution; the solution was sonicated for 5 min; Salt 3 stirred for 5days; then filtered through a 0.2 μm PTFE centrifugal filter device; thesuspension was heated to 70° C. for 1 hour, then slowly cooled to roomtemperature; Results: FT-Raman: spectra corresponds to Compound 1 and L-histidine Compound 1 7 Compound 1 (151.6 mg) was suspended in EtOH (4mL); L- (Form A) L- histidine (81.3 mg) suspended in water (2 mL) wasadded to histidine provide a turbid solution; the solution was sonicatedfor 5 min; Salt 4 stirred for 5 days; then filtered through a 0.2 μmPTFE centrifugal filter device; the suspension was heated to 70° C. for1 hour, then slowly cooled to room temperature; Results: FT-Raman:spectra corresponds to Compound 1 and L- histidine Compound 1 7 Compound1 (151.8 mg) was suspended in MeCN (3 mL); L- (Form A) L- histidine(84.5 mg) suspended in water (2 mL) was added to histidine provide aturbid solution; the solution was sonicated for 5 min; Salt 5 stirredfor 5 days; then filtered through a 0.2 μm PTFE centrifugal filterdevice; the suspension was heated to 70° C. for 1 hour, then slowlycooled to room temperature; Results: FT-Raman: corresponds to Compound 1and L-histidine

6.6. Scale-Up Experiment

6.6.1. Magnesium Salt 1 and 2 (Mg)

In the upscaled experiments, a crystalline and an amorphous form werefound.

Magnesium Salt 1 was prepared by evaporation from MeOH/CH₂Cl₂. The Ramanspectrum is shown in FIG. 1: PXRD shows an amorphous form, see FIG. 2.

Magnesium Salt 2 was prepared by precipitation from THF/H₂O. The Ramanspectrum shows a similar band pattern to that of the amorphous formMagnesium Salt 1, see FIG. 1. The PXRD pattern in FIG. 2 indicated acrystalline form. ¹H-NMR analysis confirmed the chemical integrity ofthe sample.

6.6.2. Potassium Salt 1 (K)

Potassium Salt 1 was prepared by evaporation from THF/H₂O. The Ramanspectrum is shown in FIG. 3. The PXRD pattern in FIG. 4 indicates apartly crystalline sample. ¹H-NMR analysis confirmed the chemicalintegrity of the sample.

6.6.3. Sodium Salt 1 (Na)

Sodium Salt 1 was prepared by evaporation from EtOH/H₂O. The Ramanspectrum of Sodium Salt 1 was reproduced, see FIG. 5. The PXRD patternin FIG. 6 indicates a crystalline salt. ¹H-NMR analysis confirmed thechemical integrity of the sample.

6.6.4. Tromethamine Salt 1 (TRO)

Tromethamine Salt 1 was prepared by evaporation from acetone/MeOH. TheRaman spectrum is shown in FIG. 7. The PXRD pattern shown in FIG. 8indicates a crystalline form. ¹H-NMR analysis confirmed the chemicalintegrity of the Compound 1 free acid in the presence of tromethamine,methanol and traces of unknown impurities, e.g., degradation products(FIG. 9). While the sample contains Compound 1 (¹H-NMR), tromethaminewas not present in a stoichiometric 1:1 ratio in the presence ofadditional components (Compound 1/0.5 TRO/0.5 MeOH/0.5 H₂O). The DVSresults showed an 3% overall weight loss in the sample tested (FIG. 19),indicating the loss of methanol or hydrate formation at high relativehumidity, thus leading to an overall weight loss of 4% (with loss ofmethanol) or 2% (with loss of methanol and replacement by water),respectively.

The correlation of peaks for the tromethamine salt by Raman spectroscopyand ¹H-NMR was ambiguous, potential interaction with Compound 1 showedsmall band/peak shifts compared to the pure reference. The referenceRaman and ¹H-NMR spectra of tromethamine and methanol show bands/peaksin the same range. Thus the observed band/peak positions may indicatesalt/co-crystal formation with tromethamine or solvate formation withmethanol. Assignment of shifted bands/peaks to one or the other specieswas not possible.

Band shifts were observed in the Raman spectra. Some characteristicbands of tromethamine appear in the same wave range; however, in a saltor solvate these bands are shifted.

Likewise, in the ¹H-NMR spectrum, peak shifts were observed withcharacteristic peaks of tromethamine located in the same range asmethanol.

FIG. 10 shows PXRD patterns of all samples prepared from the free acidand tromethamine. All patterns have many reflections in common, one orthe other is missing in one or more patterns. Strong intensityvariations of reflections in the same 20θ position are observed betweendifferent patterns. In case that all samples are the same phase-purematerial this would indicate strong preferred orientation effects. Morelikely it is due to two or more forms in different mixing ratio. Still,preferred orientation effects may complicate the situation.

6.6.5. L-Lysine Salt 1 (LYS)

L-lysine Salt 1 was successfully prepared by evaporation from THF/H₂O.The Raman spectrum is shown in FIG. 11. The PXRD pattern in FIG. 12indicates a crystalline salt. ¹H-NMR analysis confirmed the chemicalintegrity of the sample.

6.6.6. L-Arginine Salt (ARG)

The L-arginine Salt 1 was successfully prepared by evaporation fromEtOH/H₂O. The Raman spectrum is shown in FIG. 13. The PXRD pattern inFIG. 14 indicates a crystalline salt. ¹H-NMR analysis confirmed thechemical integrity of the sample.

6.6.7. L-Histidine Salt 1 (HIS)

The L-histidine Salt 1 was prepared by evaporation from THF/H₂O. TheRaman spectrum is similar to the reference spectrum obtained in theQuick-Screen, see FIG. 15. The PXRD pattern presented in FIG. 16constitutes a mixture of Form A of Compound 1 and L-histidine.

6.7. Characterization of Potassium, Sodium, Magnesium, L-Lysine andTromethamine Salts

6.7.1. FT-Raman, PXRD and ¹H-NMR

The potassium, sodium, magnesium, L-lysine and tromethamine salts werecharacterized by FT-Raman, PXRD and ¹H-NMR, see Section 6.10. Saltformation, crystallinity and chemical integrity were confirmed. FT-Ramanspectra of the salts were compared to those measured after DVS andaqueous solubility determination in Section 6.9. PXRD patterns of “asprepared” samples and the residues after equilibration in water werealso compared.

6.7.2. Elemental Analysis

Generally the elemental analysis of selected samples complies with themolecular formula of the samples. For the L-lysine salt 1, EMA confirmedthe presence of a monosalt (stoichiometry 1:1, salt/co-crystalformer:free acid). In case of the potassium salt, a dehydrate of amono-salt was observed by EMA. This is in agreement with the DVSmeasurement. For the sodium salt 1, EMA showed a hydrate formation of1.5 water per mono-salt. This is higher than suggested by the DVSmeasurement which indicated no water in the starting material. For themagnesium salt 2, EMA revealed that the tetrahydrate of a hemi-salt(0.5:1, salt former:free acid) was prepared instead of a mono-salt.

For the tromethamine salt 1 the exact stoichiometry could not bedetermined. Clearly the sample contains Compound 1 (¹H-NMR), thetromethamine is not present in stoichiometry 1:1 and further componentsare likely present: Compound 1/0.5 TRO/0.5 MeOH/0.5 H₂O. DVS resultswith the observed overall weight loss of 3% is in agreement with thecalculated sample.

TABLE 5 Elemental Analysis of Potassium Salt 1. C H N O F K found 50.203.40 7.81 22.41 5.17 11.0 calculated 50.42 3.10 7.84 22.39 5.32 10.94Formula: C₁₅H₉FN₂O₂ K 2 H₂O

TABLE 6 Elemental analysis of sodium salt 1. C H N O F K found 54.693.26 8.48 20.83 5.69 6.60 calculated 54.14 3.18 8.42 21.64 5.71 6.91Formula: C₁₅H₉FN₂O₂ Na 1.5 H₂O

TABLE 7 Elemental analysis of tromethamine salt 1. C H N O F found 58.154.82 9.46 21.40 5.16 calculated C₁₅H₉FN₂O₂ MeOH H₂O 57.66 4.23 8.4124.00 5.70 calculated C₁₅H₉FN₂O₂ C₄H₁₁NO₃ 56.29 4.97 10.37 23.68 4.69calculated C₁₅H₉FN₂O₂ 0.5 TRO 56.91 4.64 9.48 23.82 5.14 0.5 MeOH 0.5H₂O Compound 1: C₁₅H₉FN₂O₂ Tromethamine: C₄H₁₁NO₃

TABLE 8 Elemental analysis of L-lysine salt 1. C H N O F found 57.284.95 11.9 19.75 4.62 calculated 58.60 5.39 13.02 18.58 4.41 Formula:Compound 1: C₁₅H₉FN₂O₂ L-lysine: C₆H₁₄N₂O₂

TABLE 9 Elemental analysis of magnesium salt 2. C H N O F Mg found 48.184.03 7.25 29.13 5.04 3.85 calculated salt 49.44 3.60 7.69 30.73 5.213.33 Formula: C₁₅H₉FN₂O₂ 0.5 Mg 4 H₂O

6.8. DVS

DVS measurements (50%→0%→95%→50% r.h.) were performed on the samples ofpotassium salt 1, sodium salt 1, tromethamine salt 1, L-lysine salt andmagnesium salt 2.

In FIG. 17 the DVS of the potassium salt shows a mass loss of ˜6 wt. %as the humidity is decreased to 0% r.h. (equilibrium not reached)followed by a continuous water uptake from 0% to 35% r.h. recovering theoriginal mass. Water release of ˜5 wt. % would correspond to loss of onestoichiometric water. As the humidity was further increased to 80% r.h.more water was taken up slowly (˜1.5 wt. % mass change), and from 80% to95% r.h. a rapid water uptake of roughly 3 wt. % was observed(equilibrium reached). Upon lowering the relative humidity again, thewater content decreased and remained at a slightly higher value (˜1 wt.%) than the original mass. The behavior around 0% r.h. strongly suggeststhe presence of an ansolvate or desolvated hydrate form.

In FIG. 18 the DVS of the sodium salt shows water uptake inapproximately steplike fashion, suggesting the formation of varioushydrates Upon decreasing the humidity from 50% to 0% r.h. and againincreasing to 50% r.h. the sample shows reversible weight loss andweight gain of 2 wt. %. Approximately 10 wt. % water uptake in one step(dehydrate formation) were observed from 50% to 62% r.h. In a secondstep further water (˜6 wt. % corresponding to trihydrate formation) wastaken up as the humidity was increased to 80% r.h. (equilibrium notreached). Further water was taken up to a total of 20 wt. %(corresponding to tetrahydrate formation) at 95% r.h. Upon lowering therelative humidity to 50% r.h., the water content decreased and remainedat ˜16 wt. % higher than the original mass (14 wt. % would correspond toa trihydrate), but equilibrium was not reached during this experiment.FT-Raman spectra were recorded before and after DVS measurement. Thespectra clearly show that the sodium salt sample was converted into anew form.

FT-Raman investigation of the salt after DVS measurement confirmed thatthe sample was converted into a new form.

In FIG. 19 the DVS of the tromethamine salt shows no significant masschange as the humidity was decreased to 0% r.h. and then raised to 80%r.h. From 80% to 95% r.h. the sample takes up ˜25 wt. % (equilibriumreached) reversibly. Below 70% r.h. further weight loss to a value 3 wt.% lower than the original mass was observed.

In FIG. 20 the DVS of the L-lysine salt shows a nearly reversible wateruptake and release. Water was taken up as the humidity was increased to95% r.h. (˜2 wt. % mass change, equilibrium reached). Upon lowering therelative humidity again, the water content decreased and reverted nearlyto the original mass.

In FIG. 21 the DVS of the magnesium salt shows a nearly reversible wateruptake and release. Upon decreasing the humidity from 50% to 0% r.h. andagain increasing to 50% r.h. the sample shows reversible mass change of˜13 wt. % (equilibrium not reached). At higher humidity no significantmass change was detected. The observed mass change is in agreement withthe EMA results corresponding to a tetrahydrate of a hemi-saltMg_(0.5)/Compound 1/4H₂O.

6.9. Aqueous Solubility Determination

Each salt was suspended in water and shaken for 24 h at 25° C. and 500rpm. The resulting suspensions were filtered (0.1 μm filter). Theobtained solid residues were analyzed by FT-Raman. The pH of thefiltrate was measured, and the concentration of the free acid wasdetermined by HPLC. The values are given in Table 10. The solubility ofmagnesium salt 2 is remarkably low. The salt was precipitated fromsolutions in a stoichiometry 1:1 of magnesium:free acid. The EMA resultcorresponds to a hemi-salt with a stoichiometry of 0.5:1, magnesium:freeacid.

The FT-Raman spectra measured on samples as prepared and after aqueoussolubility determination are shown from FIG. 22 to FIG. 26. In FT-Ramanspectra measured on salts of L-lysine and tromethamine no new forms areobserved. The FT-Raman spectra measured on the potassium salt showslight band shifts, suggesting the uptake of water. Slight band shiftsand traces of magnesium hydroxide are observed in spectra of themagnesium salt. The spectra measured on the sodium salt show differentforms.

The PXRD patterns measured on samples as prepared and after aqueoussolubility determination are shown from FIG. 27 to FIG. 31. PXRDpatterns measured on the potassium and magnesium salt show no new forms.The PXRD pattern of the L-lysine salt shows the same form, but aftertreatment in water the reflections are stronger and sharper and thepattern shows different sample orientation. The PXRD patterns of thesodium salt show different forms in agreement with the Raman spectra.

TABLE 10 Aqueous solubility of the potassium, sodium, tromethamine,L-lysine and magnesium salts. Solubility Sample (mg/mL) pH FT-Raman PXRDPotassium salt 1 57 9.2 same form slight band shifts Sodium salt 1 228.3 different different forms forms Tromethamine salt 1 18 8.1 unclearunclear situation situation L-lysine salt 1 15 7.7 same form same formMagnesium salt 2 0.44 9.1 same form same form

6.10. Instrumental and Typical Measurement Conditions

Raman Renishaw RM 1000. Microscopy Stabilized diode laser 785 nmexcitation, NIR-enhanced Peltier-cooled CCD camera as detector.Measurements were carried out with a long working distance 20xobjective. Measurement range 2000-100 cm⁻¹. FT-Raman Bruker RFS100.Spectroscopy Nd: YAG 1064 nm excitation, 300 mW laser power, Gedetector, 64 scans, range 25-3500 cm⁻¹, 2 cm⁻¹ resolution. PXRD BrukerD8; Copper Ka radiation, 40 kV/40 mA; LynxEye detector, 0.025 2θ, stepsize, 37 s step time. Sample preparation: The samples were generallymeasured without any special treatment other than the application ofslight pressure to get a flat surface. Silicon single crystal sampleholder types: a) standard holder for polymorphism screening, 0.1 mmdeep, less than 20 mg sample required; b) 0.5 mm deep, 12 mm cavitydiameter for c. 40 mg; c) 1.0 mm deep, 12 mm cavity diameter for c. 80mg. All samples measured on the Bruker D8 are rotated during themeasurement. DVS Projekt Messtechnik SPS 11-100n multi-sample watervapor sorption analyzer. The sample was allowed to equilibrate at 50%r.h. before starting a pre- defined humidity program. Program: 50% r.h.→ 0% r.h. → 96% r.h. − 50% r.h., Δr.h. = 5%/h Hygroscopicity wasclassified according to the European Pharmacopoeia: very hygroscopic:increase of the mass ≧15% hygroscopic: increase of the mass is less than15% and equal or greater than 2% slightly hygroscopic: increase of themass is less than 2% and equal or greater than 0.2% not hygroscopic:increase of the mass is less than 0.2% deliquescent: sufficient water isabsorbed to form a liquid NMR The ¹H-NMR spectra were recorded at 300.13MHz on Bruker DPX300 instrument. EMA Elemental analysis of F wasperformed by an fluoride-sensitive electrode after preceding Wurzschmittdigestion and adsorption in aqueous solution. Elemental analysis wasperformed for C, H and N by dry combustion using either a Leco CHN 800or Leco CHNS 932 instrument. Elemental analysis of O was performed bypyrolysis using a Leco RO-478 instrument. Elemental analysis of K, Naand Mg was performed by atomic absorption spectrometry. SolubilitySuspension agitated with a temperature controlled “Thermomixer comfort”determination from Eppendorf with 500 rpm (24 hours, 25° C.). Filteredwith Millipore Centrifugal Filter Device UFC30VVNB (0.1 μm) andCentrifuge Hettich EBA 12 R (10,000 g). HPLC Equipment TSP HPLC (UV3000,AS3000, P4000, SCM1000 Soft. Version 4.1) Column Waters, Xterra MS C184.6 × 100 mm, 5 μm (CC01) Mobile phase A distilled H₂O + 0.1% TFA Mobilephase B ACN + 0.1% TFA Reference ca. 0.04 mg/mL Concentration Retentiontime  5.8 min Gradient  0.0 min 55% A/45% B 10.0 min 55% A/45% B Flow 1.0 mL/min Injection volume  10 μL Wavelength  241 nm

6.11. Comparative Equilibrium Solubility Study of Micronized andNon-Micronized Compound 1

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the solubility ofmicronized and non-micronized Compound 1. The solubility study wasconducted in two representative media in pH 1 (0.1 N HCl with 0.5%sodium lauryl sulfate) and in pH 7.4 (0.1M phosphate buffered saline).The experiment further compared the initial rate of dissolution andequilibrium solubilities of micronized and non-micronized Compound 1over a period of time.

Experimental:

Experimental materials included: 1) micronized Compound 1; 2)non-micronized Compound 1; 3) acetic acid, glacial; 4) triethyl amine;5) acetonitrile, HPLC grade; 6) 10 mL syringe; and 7) 0.45 μm PTFEsyringe filters.

Media used for solubility study included: 1) pH 1.0 comprising 0.1NHydrocholric acid (HCl) with 0.5% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS); and 2) pH7.4 comprising 0.1M phosphate buffered saline (PBS).

Equipment for solubility study included: 1) Waters 2795 SeparationsModule; 2) Axiovert 200 Microscope; and 3) Analytical grade balance.

HPLC conditions used for solubility study are provided in Table 11 andTable 12.

TABLE 11 HPLC conditions used for solubility study Column Sunfire C184.6 × 50 mm Column Temperature 40° C. Mobile Phase A 0.3% acetic acidwith 0.1% triethyl amine; pH 4.5 adjusted by 10% (v/v) NH₄OH MobilePhase B Acetonitrile Flow rate 1.5 mL/min Injection volume 10 μLDetection UV 254 nm Run time 15 minutes Gradient ~3.22 minutes

TABLE 12 HPLC gradient used for solubility study Time % Mobile % Mobile(minutes) Phase A Phase B 0 70 30 10 30 70 15 70 30

Solubility measurement procedure comprised the steps of: 1) weighing andmixing approximately 100 mg of micronized Compound 1 and 100 mL of 0.1NHCl with 0.5% SLS into amber jar 1; 2) weighing and mixing approximately100 mg of micronized Compound 1 and 100 mL of PBS into amber jar 2; 3)weighing and mixing approximately 100 mg of non-micronized Compound 1and 100 mL of 0.1N HCl with 0.5% SLS into amber jar 3; 4) weighing andmixing approximately 100 mg of non-micronized Compound 1 and 100 mL ofPBS into amber jar 4; 5) mixing all samples in their respective amberjars using a multi purpose rotator for 2 hours; 4) sampling at 5minutes, 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes, 120 minutes; 5)filtering the samples and 6) analyzing the filtrates using HPLC. Foreach time point, 10 mL of sample was drawn using a 10 mL syringe with aneedle attached filter and using a syringe-top 0.45 μm PTFE syringefilter. The first 9 mL of the samples collected were put back into theoriginal amber jar and then remaining 1 mL was transferred to HPLC vialfor analysis.

Solubility study results for micronized and non-micronized Compound 1are provided in Table 13. FIG. 32 and FIG. 33 provide graphicalrepresentation of the solubility profiles of micronized andnon-micronized Compound 1 in 0.1N HCl with 0.5% SLS and PBS,respectively.

TABLE 13 Time vs Concentration solubility data for micronized andnon-micronized Compound 1 Concentration of Compound 1 in 0.1NConcentration of HCl + 0.5% SLS Compound 1 in PBS (μg/mL) (μg/mL) TimeNon- Non- (Minutes) Micronized Micronized Micronized Micronized 5 6.856.24 189.13 141.89 10 6.81 6.38 191.45 152.59 30 6.83 6.87 197.59 176.9260 7.04 6.99 199.95 185.18 90 6.88 6.97 200.29 194.06 120 7.18 7.04203.08 196.54

Micronized and non-micronized batches of Compound 1 were observed andanalyzed under microscope to obtain an estimate of the average lengthand average width of the particles. As a part of the process, 5different samples from each type of Compound 1 were analyzed underAxiovert 200 microscope, using a program called IPLab 3.7 and the theparticle size measurements were estimated. The analysis results areprovided in Table 14. FIG. 34 and FIG. 35 provide the images underpolarized light of non-micronized and micronized samples of Compound 1.

TABLE 14 Estimated average particle size data for micronized andnon-micronized Compound 1 Micronized Compound 1 Non-Micronized Compound1 Length Width Length Width Sample (μM) (μM) (μM) (μM) 1 6.7 4.0 34.33.6 2 5.2 3.3 28.5 3.7 3 5.3 3.3 34.3 4.4 4 7.1 4.1 37.4 3.8 5 5.6 3.730.7 4.2 Average 5.9 3.6 33.0 4.4

Summary: A kinetic phenomenon was observed in both pH media at earlytime points. In pH 1 media, there was a small difference in kineticsolubility for micronized and non-micronized Compound 1; while in pH7.4, the difference was significantly increased.

In both media, Compound 1 solubility appears to reach the same value. InpH 1 media, the equilibrium was reached at approximately 30 minutes. InpH 7.4 media, the equilibrium solubility was reached at approximately 2hours.

In pH 7.4 media, the difference in kinetic solubility is significant,indicating that small particles do have a significant impact inenhancing Compound 1 drug substance solubilization.

6.12. Ophthalmic Formulations

Table 15 provides an ophthalmic formulation as a solution comprisingCompound 1 in combination with tromethamine used as a cationic modifier.

Ingredient Concentration Compound 1 0.2% Tromethamine HCl 1.0% Mannitol2.0% Boric Acid 1.0% Disodium Edetate 0.025%  Benzalkonium Chloride0.01%  NaOH/HCl (adjust pH) pH 7.2 Water (dilute to volume) p.r.n.

Table 16 provides an ophthalmic formulation as a solution comprisingCompound 1 in combination with histidine used as a cationic modifier.

Ingredient Concentration Compound 1 0.1% Histidine HC1 0.5% Sorbitol3.0% Disodium Edetate 0.025%  Benzalkonium Chloride 0.01%  NaOH/HCl(adjust pH) pH 6.5 Water (dilute to volume) p.r.n.

Table 17 provides an ophthalmic formulation as a solution comprisingCompound 1 in combination with Lysine used as a cationic modifier.

Ingredient Concentration Compound 1 0.05% Lysine HCl  0.5% Mannitol 4.0% Disodium Edetate 0.025%  Benzalkonium Chloride 0.01% NaOH/HCl(adjust pH) pH 7.5 Water (dilute to volume) p.r.n.

Table 18 provides an ophthalmic formulation as a solution comprisingCompound 1 in combination with DEAE-Dextran used as a cationic modifier.

Ingredient Concentration Compound 1 0.5% DEAE-Dextran 0.5% Trehalose2.0% Boric Acid 1.0% Disodium Edetate 0.025%  Benzalkonium Chloride0.01%  NaOH/HCl (adjust pH) pH 7.2 Water (dilute to volume) p.r.n.

Table 19 provides an ophthalmic formulation as a solution comprisingCompound 1 in combination with hydroxypropyl β-cyclodextrin used as acationic modifier.

Ingredient Concentration Hydroxypropyl β-Cyclodextrin  10% Compound 10.5% Tromethamine HCl 0.5% Mannitol 2.0% Dextran 1.0% Boric Acid 1.0%Disodium Edetate 0.025%  Benzalkonium Chloride 0.01%  NaOH/HCl (adjustpH) pH 7.2 Water (dilute to volume) p.r.n.

6.13. In Vivo Assays

Two studies were performed to evaluate the concentrations of Compound1/metabolites in various tissues, including the eyes, following a singledose administration of radiolabeled Compound 1(¹⁴C-3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid) toSprague Dawley and Long Evans rats.

Sprague Dawley rats: As part of a quantitative whole bodyautoradiography (QWBA) study, 4 male and 4 female Sprague Dawley rats(albino) obtained from Charles River were administered a single oralgavage dose of 50 mg/kg¹⁴C-3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid.

Animals were individually housed and certified rodent diet and waterwere provided ad libitum. Animals were acclimated for 8 days prior todose administration. Environmental controls for the animal room were setto maintain a temperature of 18 to 26° C., a relative humidity of50±20%, and a 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle. The 12-hour dark cyclemay have been interrupted to accommodate study procedures. Animals werefasted overnight through 4 hours postdose on the day of dosing. Atdosing, the animals weighed 204 to 260 g and were approximately 9 to 11weeks of age. One animal/sex/timepoint was sacrificed with an overdoseof halothane at 1, 4, 24, and 72 hours postdose and carcasses werecollected for analysis by whole-body autoradiography (WBA). Theconcentrations of¹⁴C-3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid in the eyeand related tissues are shown in the following table.

TABLE 20 Concentrations of radioactivity in eyes and related tissuesdetermined by whole body autoradiography at specified times following asingle oral administration of ¹⁴C-3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid (50 mg/kg) to Sprague Dawley rats (inμg/g dosed). Sex Matrix 1 hr 2 hr 3 hr 4 hr Male Eye 3.39 2.59 NS NSExorbital 21.1 27.5 NS NS lacrimal gland Harderian gland 21.6 22.3 NS NSIntra-orbital 21.8 26.0 NS NS lacrimal gland Female 1.41 BLQ NS NSExorbital 10.3 3.89 NS NS lacrimal gland Harderian gland 18.7 8.26 NS NSIntra-orbital 10.2 4.72 NS NS lacrimal gland BLQ = below the limit ofquantitation (<0.768 μg equivalents¹⁴C-3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid). NS = notsampled (sample not discernible from background).

Long Evans rats: In a quantitative whole body autoradiography (QWBA)study, 8 male Long Evans rats (partially pigmented) obtained from Harlanwere administered a single oral gavage dose of 50 mg/kg ¹⁴C-Compound 1.

Animals were individually housed and certified rodent diet and waterwere provided ad libitum. Animals were acclimated for 3 days prior todose administration. Environmental controls for the animal room were setto maintain a temperature of 18 to 26° C., a relative humidity of50±20%, and a 12-hour light/12-hour dark cycle. As necessary, the12-hour dark cycle was interrupted to accommodate study procedures.Animals were fasted overnight through 4 hours postdose on the day ofdosing. At dosing, the animals weighed 160 to 178 g and wereapproximately 7 weeks of age. One animal/time point was sacrificed viaexsanguination (cardiac puncture) under isoflurane anesthesia at 0.5, 1,2, 4, 8, 24, 72, and 168 hours postdose. The concentrations of¹⁴C-Compound 1 in the eye and related tissues are shown in Table 21.

TABLE 21 Concentrations of radioactivity in eyes and related tissuesdetermined by whole body autoradiography at specified times following asingle oral administration of¹⁴C-3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol- 3-yl]benzoic acid (50mg/kg) to Long Evans rats (in μg/g dosed). Matrix 0.5 hr 1 hr 2 hr 4 hr8 hr 24 hr 72 hr 168 hr Eye  4.59 1.78  3.62 2.69 2.08 BLQ ND ND Eye BLQBLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ BLQ ND ND (lens) Ex- 28.0 7.59 22.4 10.2 8.09 BLQ BLQ NDorbital lacrimal gland Harde- 46.8 16.0 38.2 18.1 13.0 1.59 ND ND riangland Intra- 28.8 10.3 25.2 11.7 10.3 BLQ ND ND orbital lacrimal glandUveal 20.6 10.4 18.1 6.09 11.6 BLQ ND ND tract BLQ = below the limit ofquantitation (<0.457 μg equivalents¹⁴C-3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid). ND = notdetected (sample not discernible from background).

6.14. Nonsense Mutation Mouse Model of Aniridia

Compound 1 inhibited disease progression and reversed malformation inthe cornea, lens and retina in a mouse model of aniridia (semi-dominantsmall eye model (PAX6^(sey+/−))) developed by Gregory-Evans andassociates which contains a naturally occurring nonsense mutation in themouse PAX6 gene.

Compound 1 was administered subcutaneously to PAX6 mutant and wild-typemice for 10 days (Postnatal Day 4-14) or administered topically as anophthalmic suspension formulation (0.9% sodium chloride, 1% Tween 80, 1%powdered Compound 1, 1% carboxymethylcellulose), twice per day for 46days (Postnatal Day 14-60). Prior to treatment, the mutant eyes showedthickening of the cornea, the appearance of a lenticular stalk in whichthe underdeveloped lens was attached to the cornea, and thickening ofthe retina with abnormal in-folding at the ciliary margin (FIG. 36A). Inthe untreated mutant mouse group, progressive in-folding of the retinaand abnormally small lenses was observed. Treatment with subcutaneousCompound 1 corrected the retinal in-folding and increased the size ofthe lens by 70% (FIG. 36A and FIGS. 37A and B).

Additional successful results were achieved after topical administrationof Compound 1 directly into the eye as an ophthalmic suspensionformulation (0.9% sodium chloride, 1% Tween 80, 1% powdered Compound 1,1% carboxymethylcellulose). The lens and retinal defects, observed inthe untreated eyes, reversed in the Compound 1-treated mutant mice andclosely resembled wild-type mice (FIG. 36B). Histological examination ofthe cornea showed decreased corneal thickening. The retina showedincreased response to light stimulation. Treatment with Compound 1caused an increase in the PAX6 protein by 90% in the corneal and retinalepithelium protein lysates compared to wild-type mice (FIG. 36C) asmeasured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A mouse modelcontaining a splice-site mutation in PAX6 (PAX6^(Sey-1Neu)) did not showa response to Compound 1 therapy, demonstrating that Compound 1 isspecific to the nonsense mutations.

As a test for effects on visual acuity in the mice, the optokinetictracking response was measured, which is a behavioural response mediatedthrough the retina-brain circuitry. The untreated mutant mice showedlimited tracking responses. Mice treated with Compound 1 showedsignificant improvement in the spatial frequency threshold that wassimilar to the wild-type mice (FIG. 36D).

Compound 1 was shown to suppress the nonsense codon in PAX6, allowingfor the full-length PAX6 protein to be synthesized and resulting in thereversal of the congenital ocular malformation associated with thedisease. This indicates that Compound 1 has the potential to be apromising treatment for aniridia.

6.15. Diagnosis of Aniridia

Aniridia is diagnosed via a clinical examination entailing slit lampexamination, fundoscopy, iris fluorescein angiography, optical coherencetomography, and high frequency ultrasound biomicroscopy. An overview ofthe diagnostic techniques are provided in Table 22.

TABLE 22 Diagnostic Techniques Used to Identify the Ocular Abnormalitiesof Aniridia Diagnostic Technique Ocular Abnormalities Identified Slitlamp examination Partial or complete absence of the iris Iristranslucency or abnormal architecture Pupillary abnormalities Cornealopacification and vascularization Cataracts and glaucoma Fundoscopy(slit lamp or Absence of or reduction in the normal foveal binocularindirect architecture (frequent) ophthalmoscopy) Optic nerveabnormalities (less common) Other retinal problems (rare) Irisfluorescein angiography Subtle iris hypoplasia Optical coherence Fovealhypoplasia (difficult to perform in tomography (OCT) presence ofnystagmus) Anterior segment OCT Delinate the detailed anatomy of theanterior segment structures High frequency ultrasound Corneal opacity orsevere corneal oedema biomicroscopy in infants High frequency anteriorIris hypoplasia and/or absence segment ultrasound

Sequencing analysis is performed to identify the disease-causingmutation. The PAX6 coding region is analysed to determine thedeletion/duplication and to detect the PAX6 exonic or whole genedeletions. The performed genetic tests are provided in Table 23.

TABLE 23 Genetic Tests For Aniridia by Phenotype and Family HistoryMutation Detection Frequency by Phenotype and Test Method MutationsFamily History Phenotype Gene Test Detected Positive Negative IsolatedPAX6 Sequence Sequence 55% 62.5% Aniridia analysis alterations of codingregion Deletion Exonic 22%  17% testing deletions and deletions ofcontrol regions WAGR PAX6 High- Cytogenetic 57% NA Syndrome andresolution deletion contiguous cytogenetic 11p13 genes testing PAX6 FISHSubmicro- 14% NA and scopic WT1 deletion Deletion Whole-gene Un- NAtesting deletions known

It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of theinvention have been described herein for purposes of illustration, theinvention described herein is not to be limited in scope by the specificembodiments herein disclosed. These embodiments are intended asillustrations of several aspects of the invention. Any equivalentembodiments are intended to be within the scope of this invention.Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to thoseshown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in theart from the foregoing description, which modification also intended tobe within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A crystalline salt form comprising3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid and magnesium,wherein said crystalline salt form has an X-ray powder diffractionsubstantially shown in FIG.
 2. 2. A method for treating, preventing ormanaging an ocular disease associated with a nonsense mutation or apremature stop codon in a patient having an ocular disease associatedwith a nonsense mutation or premature stop codon, comprisingadministering a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effectiveamount of the crystalline salt form of claim 1 to said patient.
 3. Themethod of claim 2, wherein the ocular disease is selected from the groupconsisting of aniridia, choroideremia, renal-coloboma syndrome, Lebercongenital amaurosis, retinitis pigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl syndrome,glaucoma, foveal hypoplasia, cataracts, Usher syndrome, central auditoryprocessing difficulties, chorioretinal degeneration, congenital lensopacities, elevated intraocular pressure, exudative vascularretinopathy, glaucoma, iris hypoplasia, keratopathy (cornealdegeneration), optic nerve hypoplasia, retinal detachment, secondarystrabismus and tunica vasculosa lentis.
 4. A crystalline salt formcomprising 3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid andpotassium, wherein said crystalline salt form has an X-ray powderdiffraction pattern substantially as shown in FIG.
 4. 5. A method fortreating, preventing or managing an ocular disease associated with anonsense mutation or a premature stop codon in a patient having anocular disease associated with a nonsense mutation or a premature stopcodon, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprisingan effective amount of the crystalline salt form of claim 4 to saidpatient.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the ocular disease isselected from the group consisting of aniridia, choroideremia,renal-coloboma syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitispigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, glaucoma, foveal hypoplasia,cataracts, Usher syndrome, central auditory processing difficulties,chorioretinal degeneration, congenital lens opacities, elevatedintraocular pressure, exudative vascular retinopathy, glaucoma, irishypoplasia, keratopathy (corneal degeneration), optic nerve hypoplasia,retinal detachment, secondary strabismus and tunica vasculosa lentis. 7.A crystalline salt form comprising3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid and sodium,wherein said crystalline salt form has an X-ray powder diffractionpattern substantially as shown in FIG.
 6. 8. A method for treating,preventing or managing an ocular disease associated with a nonsensemutation or a premature stop codon in a patient having an ocular diseaseassociated with a nonsense mutation or a premature stop codon,comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising aneffective amount of the crystalline salt form of claim 7 to saidpatient.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the ocular disease isselected from the group consisting of aniridia, choroideremia,renal-coloboma syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitispigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, glaucoma, foveal hypoplasia,cataracts, Usher syndrome, central auditory processing difficulties,chorioretinal degeneration, congenital lens opacities, elevatedintraocular pressure, exudative vascular retinopathy, glaucoma, irishypoplasia, keratopathy (corneal degeneration), optic nerve hypoplasia,retinal detachment, secondary strabismus and tunica vasculosa lentis.10. A crystalline salt form comprising3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid andtromethamine, wherein said crystalline salt form has an X-ray powderdiffraction pattern substantially as shown in FIG.
 8. 11. A method fortreating, preventing or managing an ocular disease associated with anonsense mutation or a premature stop codon in a patient having anocular disease associated with a nonsense mutation or a premature stopcodon, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprisingan effective amount of the crystalline salt form of claim 10 to saidpatient.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the ocular disease isselected from the group consisting of aniridia, choroideremia,renal-coloboma syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitispigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, glaucoma, foveal hypoplasia,cataracts, Usher syndrome, central auditory processing difficulties,chorioretinal degeneration, congenital lens opacities, elevatedintraocular pressure, exudative vascular retinopathy, glaucoma, irishypoplasia, keratopathy (corneal degeneration), optic nerve hypoplasia,retinal detachment, secondary strabismus and tunica vasculosa lentis.13. A crystalline salt form comprising3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid and L-lysine,wherein said crystalline salt form has an X-ray powder diffractionpattern substantially as shown in FIG.
 12. 14. A method for treating,preventing or managing an ocular disease associated with a nonsensemutation or a premature stop codon in a patient having an ocular diseaseassociated with a nonsense mutation or a premature stop codon,comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprising aneffective amount of the crystalline salt form of claim 13 to saidpatient.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the ocular disease isselected from the group consisting of aniridia, choroideremia,renal-coloboma syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitispigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, glaucoma, foveal hypoplasia,cataracts, Usher syndrome, central auditory processing difficulties,chorioretinal degeneration, congenital lens opacities, elevatedintraocular pressure, exudative vascular retinopathy, glaucoma, irishypoplasia, keratopathy (corneal degeneration), optic nerve hypoplasia,retinal detachment, secondary strabismus and tunica vasculosa lentis.16. A crystalline salt form comprising3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid andL-arginine, wherein said crystalline salt form has an X-ray powderdiffraction pattern substantially as shown in FIG.
 14. 17. A method fortreating, preventing or managing an ocular disease associated with anonsense mutation or a premature stop codon in a patient having anocular disease associated with a nonsense mutation or a premature stopcodon, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprisingan effective amount of the crystalline salt form of claim 16 to saidpatient.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the ocular disease isselected from the group consisting of aniridia, choroideremia,renal-coloboma syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitispigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, glaucoma, foveal hypoplasia,cataracts, Usher syndrome, central auditory processing difficulties,chorioretinal degeneration, congenital lens opacities, elevatedintraocular pressure, exudative vascular retinopathy, glaucoma, irishypoplasia, keratopathy (corneal degeneration), optic nerve hypoplasia,retinal detachment, secondary strabismus and tunica vasculosa lentis.19. A crystalline salt form comprising3-[5-(2-fluoro-phenyl)-[1,2,4]oxadiazol-3-yl]benzoic acid andL-histidine, wherein said crystalline salt form has an X-ray powderdiffraction pattern substantially as shown in FIG.
 16. 20. A method fortreating, preventing or managing an ocular disease associated with anonsense mutation or a premature stop codon in a patient having anocular disease associated with a nonsense mutation or a premature stopcodon, comprising administering a pharmaceutical composition comprisingan effective amount of the crystalline salt form of claim 19 to saidpatient.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the ocular disease isselected from the group consisting of aniridia, choroideremia,renal-coloboma syndrome, Leber congenital amaurosis, retinitispigmentosa, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, glaucoma, foveal hypoplasia,cataracts, Usher syndrome, central auditory processing difficulties,chorioretinal degeneration, congenital lens opacities, elevatedintraocular pressure, exudative vascular retinopathy, glaucoma, irishypoplasia, keratopathy (corneal degeneration), optic nerve hypoplasia,retinal detachment, secondary strabismus and tunica vasculosa lentis.